"I'm remembering that Martha has four guests at luncheon
to-day, and expects me to be there!"

"Is that all? Don't let that worry you. We'll simply have a
breakdown somewhere on the road conveniently near to a spot I
know, where I can broil the beefsteak I have in that hamper,
and make the coffee. `Unavoidable detention' will be your
apology."

"`Irresistible temptation' will be my confession," she
admitted. "I'm not good at subterfuge and I'm so hungry that
the mere mention of beefsteak out-of-doors - "

"If it weighs against the plates and salads of a woman's
luncheon I shall have a great respect for you. Come on, let's
run away! You from social duties, I from professional ones.
I'll agree to stand out Martha in your defense. Unless, of
course, the opportunity to wear a pretty frock and throw all
the other women in the shade - "

She laughed. "That's precisely what Martha wants me to do!"

"Then fail her and let the other women win. It's too late to
repent, anyhow, for here's where we turn off."

The Imp itself seemed to be running away, so swiftly and
silently it covered the new road leading off into the hills.
Presently it was climbing them.

"I want to get where no call-boy monotonously repeating