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 pushed him back into place. "Subside," she commanded sweetly. 'Devote yourself to Lulu. I have certain somethings to whisper in this gent's ear before we get home." She turned to Jock. "What made you think Bill Burnholme would be here? Of course I know. You thought, being Cecily's fiancé, we'd naturally ask him."

"That's about it."

"Listen," said Peg, and prodded his ribs with her elbow to be sure that she had his attention. "I'm going to tell you something which I haven't any business telling you and which I wouldn't tell you if I didn't feel sure you'd be—well, call it interested. I know all about Cecily's affairs. I know how she met you, and what happened, and everything about it. And listen: as long as you are alive, and single, she'll never marry Bill Burnholme or anybody else. There! Bite down hard on that one!"

"Did she say that?"

"Words to that effect. And if putting you wise was a burn hunch I hope somebody shoots me!"

Jock, his face radiant and his heart doing strange alarming things within him, wrung her hand wordlessly, in token that it was not.

"Axiom One for Young Men," chanted Peg, "established by Jock Hamill of New York City, after intensive personal research work: 'The way to find your ideal girl is, bring her up yourself!

They came upon their destination unexpectedly, over the crest of a little hill. Below them lay a green incline bisected by the road; at the foot of the incline