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 fortieth day, whereas I hope to do so forty times each day."

"You are really almost as absurd as Lord Drewitt," she laughed, colouring a little.

"You must be kind to me," he continued, "or I shall let loose the whole horde upon you. Within three days I shall be the most unpopular man in Folkestone. Those who have urged me to smoke cigars and cigarettes will wish to stab me. Those who have asked me to drink at their expense will suddenly develop into potential Wainewrights and Neal Creams. I shall never dare to drink with any one for fear of being poisoned."

"I wonder why men are like that?" she said, with a far-away look in her eyes.

"I want to make a compact with you," he said.

For some minutes neither spoke; she continued to gaze straight in front of her with dreamy intentness. Beresford smoked contentedly.

"A compact?" she queried presently, turning to him.

"If you'll come for a walk every morning, I'll promise not to introduce anybody to you."

For a few moments she appeared to be debating the suggestion, her head a little on one side, a smile in her eyes.

"Of two evils choose the lesser," he suggested. "I'm only one, they are thirty-nine."

"Very well," she laughed, "I'll agree; but you must keep them from being annoying."

"I'll buy a machine-gun, if necessary."