"I wish you would," he begged, "and bring your step-daughter. You
can't imagine," he added, with a glance at the girl who was sitting
at his left hand, "how much pleasure it would give me. The roads are
really not bad, and every one admits that the country is
delightful."

"You had better be careful," the Princess said, "or we may take you
at your word. I warn you, though, that it would be a regular
invasion. Major Forrest and Lord Ronald are talking about coming
with us."

"It's just an idea," Forrest remarked carelessly. "I wouldn't mind
it myself, but I don't fancy we should get Engleton away from town
before Goodwood."

"Well, I like that," Engleton remarked. "Forrest's a lot keener on
these social functions than I am. As a matter of fact I am for the
tour, on one condition."

"And that?" the Princess asked.

"That you come in my car," Lord Ronald answered. "I haven't really
had a chance to try it yet, but it's a sixty horse Mercedes, and
it's fitted up for touring. Take the lot of us easy, luggage and
everything."

"I think it would be perfectly delightful," the Princess declared.
"Do you really mean it?"