"She certainly won't," said Bertie warmly. "But she's horribly afraid of people saying so, since Nap—"
"Ah! Never mind Nap!"
"Well, it's made a difference," Bertie protested. "We are not going to marry for three years. And no one is to know we are engaged except you and her father."
"She doesn't mind me then?"
There was just a tinge of humour in the words, and Bertie looked at him sharply.
"What are you grinning at? No, of course she doesn't mind you. But what's the joke?"
"Look where you're going, dear fellow. It would be a real pity to break your neck at this stage."
Bertie turned his attention to his driving and was silent for a little.
Suddenly, "I have it!" he exclaimed. "You artful old fox! I believe you had first word after all. I wondered that she gave in so easily. What did you say to her?"
"That," said Lucas gently, "is a matter entirely between myself and one other."