'Well, if you really think so,'--he seemed struck by her manner of
speech,--'of course I will: but I'd much rather not.'

'I might find it necessary to speak to a policeman at the next
corner.'

'Oh, in that case.'--He raised his hat, and fell aside. And Nancy
felt that, after all, the adventure had been amusing.

She was now in Regent Street, and it came to her recollection that
she had made an appointment with Luckworth Crewe for nine o'clock.
Without any intention of keeping it; but why not do so? Her lively
acquaintance would be excellent company for the next hour, until she
chose to bring the escapade to an end. And indeed, save by a
disagreeable struggle, she could hardly change the direction of her
steps. It was probably past nine; Crewe might have got tired of
waiting, or have found it impossible to keep a position on the
pavement. Drawing near to the top of Regent Street, she hoped he
might be there. And there he was, jovially perspiring; he saw her
between crowded heads, and crushed through to her side.





CHAPTER 8