II.
And that was all that passed upon this meeting. A cab swung round the opposite corner; pulled up with a rattle; turned towards them; was alongside. Within, a brow of thunder sat.
The cabman called, “I knowed you was all right, miss,” raised the trap, and cheerfully repeated the information to his fare: “I knowed she was all right, mum.”
The mum addressed gave no congratulation to his prescience. He shut the lid; winked at George; behind his hand communicated, “Not 'arf angry, she ain't.”
The girl ran forward; agitation bound up her hurt ankle. “Oh!” she cried, “I am so glad you are safe!”
The thunder-figure addressed said: “Please get in. I have had a severe shock.”
“This gentleman—” The girl half turned to George.
“Please get in—instantly.”
Scarlet the girl went. “Thank you very much,” she said to George; climbed in beside the cloud of wrath.
Her companion slammed the door; dabbed at George a bow that was like a sharp poke with a stick; called, “Drive on.”
George stepped into the road, held half a crown to the driver: “The address?”
The man stooped. With a tremendous wink answered, “Fourteen Palace Gardens, St. John's Wood.”
Away with a jingle.