Hal for once was nonplussed, but her habitual humour reasserted itself.
“I don’t know which Dudley will think the most dreadful,” she remarked comically, “for me to stay at the inn unchaperoned, or motor back with a stranger. I seem to be fairly between the devil and the deep sea.”
The men laughed, but Dick made the decision.
“You had better go back,” he said. “He will at least have you safe under lock and key by midnight that way and not lie awake worrying all night himself.”
“Then let me run you to the inn first,” said the stranger, and after fixing his red lights, Dick went off with them in search of help to make the car safer for the night.
A little later the stranger’s motor turned Londonwards with two occupants only, one in front and one behind. After a few miles he stopped.
“Won’t you come and sit in front? It seems so unsociable to travel like this.”
“Most unsociable,” said Hal, “but it would please Brother Dudley.”
“Never mind Brother Dudley now.” The voice was very attractive. “Mind me, instead. I’m very dull here, and I hate driving in the dark. My chauffeur is down with the ‘flu’, and I couldn’t beg, borrow, nor steal any one else’s.”
“Are you a doctor?” she asked, taking her seat beside him.