undred pounds! And how many people do you
think they employ? Now just guess, do; just make a shot at it!"

"How do I know? Two or three hundred, I dessay."

Christopher's face shone with triumph.

"One thousand--three hundred--and forty-two! Could you believe it?"

"Oh, I dessay," Polly replied, with her mouth full.

"Enormous, isn't it? Why, it's like a town in itself!"

Had his own name been Swettenham he could hardly have shown more pride
in these figures. When Polly inquired how much _they_ made a year he
was unable to reply with exactitude, but the mere thought of what such
a total must be all but overcame him. Personally he profited by his
connexion with the great firm to the extent of two pounds a week, an
advance of ten shillings on what he had hitherto earned. And his
prospects! Why, they were limitless. Once let a fellow get into
Swettenham's--

"You're not doing so bad for a single man," remarked Polly, with
facetious malice in her eye. "But it won't run to a supper like this
very often."

"Oh--well--not often, of course." His voice quavered into sudden
despondency. "Just now and then, you know. Have some cheese?"

"Don't mind--Gorgonzoler."

He paid the bill right bravely and added sixpence for the waiter,
though it cost him as great a pang as the wrenching of a double tooth.
A rapid calculation told him that he must dine at the Aerated Bread
Shop for several days to come. Whilst he was thus computing Polly drew
out her gold watch. It caught his eye, he stood transfixed, and his
stare rose from the watch to Polly's face.

"Just after eleven," she remarked airily, and began to hum.

Christopher had but a silver watch, an heirloom of considerable
antiquity, and the chain was jet. Sunk of a sudden in profoundest gloom
he led the way to the exit, walking like a shamefaced plebeian who had
got into the room by mistake. Polly's spirits were higher than ever.
Just beyond the electric glare she thrust her arm under that of her
mute companion.

"You don't want me to git run over, do you?"

Parish had a thrill of satisfaction, but with difficulty he spoke.

"Let's get out of this crowd--beastly, isn't it?"

"I don't mind a crowd. I like it when I've someone to hang on by."

"Oh, I don't mind it, I like just what you like. What time did you say
it was, Miss Sparkes?"

"Just eleven. Time I was gettin' 'ome. There'll be a bus at the corner."

"I hoped you were going to walk," urged Christopher timi