ry is to explain you to her, as I am now explaining her to you,
and the thing settles itself. There can be no question of your not
going on with us. You and Mercedes won't interfere with each other in
the least, because, you see, now that you've turned up, the thing is
to get down quietly, and--and enjoy ourselves at the journey's end.
We'll make a rush of it. In any case, Molly would have sat in the
tonneau with her friend, and the only difference you will make in our
arrangements is that I shall have you as a companion in front instead
of Gotteland."

At this moment our fair emissary returned from the enemy's camp.

"Mercedes says that not for anything would she cheat us out of your
company," announced Molly. "Only she hopes you won't think her rude
and horrid if she doesn't talk. There's her message; but I really
think, Lord Lane, that the best thing is to take no notice of the poor
child. She is very nervous and upset still, but I hope in a few days
she will be herself again. I won't even introduce you to her. She and
I will sit in the tonneau, as quiet as two kittens, while you and Jack
in front can talk over all your adventures since you met, and forget
our existence. We shan't be so very long on the way, shall we, Jack?"

I began another "but," which was scornfully disregarded by both Jack
and Molly. I might as well consent now, as later, they said, since
they would simply refuse to leave Chambery without me, and the longer
I took to see reason, the more _essence_ would the motor be wasting.

Thus adjured, I allowed myself to be hustled off to my hotel by Jack,
who insisted on accompanying me lest I should turn traitor on the way.
In ten minutes Gotteland would drive the car to the door of the
France, and I was expected to be ready by that time. My packing had
been done before I went out, by the united efforts of a _valet de
chambre_ and myself; but now all had to be undone again; my motoring
coat (unused for weeks and aged in appearance by as many years)
dragged up from the lowest stratum with my goblin-goggles, and a few
small things dashed into a weird travelling bag which a confused
porter rushed out to buy at a neighbouring shop. While I settled the
hotel bill, Jack arranged to have my portmanteau expressed to
Grenoble, and by a scramble our tasks were finished when the voice of
the car called us to the door.

The whole incident had happened so quickly, that I had no time to
realise the change in my cir