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148 toupee and one of those thick white lace veils, and I shall have a much better chance of seeing what he's really at if he thinks I'm safely out of the way."

Suzanne approved this plan heartily. We made due and ostentatious preparations, inquiring once more about the departure of the train at the office and packing my luggage.

We dined together in the restaurant. Colonel Race did not appear, but Sir Eustace and Pagett were at their table in the window. Pagett left the table half-way through the meal, which annoyed me, as I had planned to say good-bye to him. However, doubtless Sir Eustace would do as well. I went over to him when I had finished.

"Good-bye, Sir Eustace," I said. "I'm off to-night to Durban."

Sir Eustace sighed heavily.

"So I heard. You wouldn't like me to come with you, would you?"

"I should love it."

"Nice girl. Sure you won't change your mind and come and look for lions in Rhodesia?"

"Quite sure."

"He must be a very handsome fellow," said Sir Eustace plaintively. "Some young whipper-snapper in Durban, I suppose, who puts my mature charms completely in the shade. By the way, Pagett's going down in the car in a minute or two. He could take you to the station."

"Oh, no, thank you," I said hastily. "Mrs. Blair and I have got our own taxi ordered."

To go down with Guy Pagett was the last thing I wanted! Sir Eustace looked at me attentively.

"I don't believe you like Pagett. I don't blame you. Of all the officious, interfering asses—going about with the air of a martyr, and doing everything he can to annoy and upset me!"