“I’ll tell you when we get out on the Hog’s Back,” he said, slipping in his clutch. “It’s absolutely vital.”
He stole a glance at her, but she was looking straight in front of her, and her face seemed expressionless.
“You must stand a long way off when you do,” she said demurely. “At least if it’s the same thing as you told me over the ’phone.”
Hugh grinned sheepishly.
“The Exchange went wrong,” he remarked at length. “Astonishing how rotten the telephones are in Town these days.”
“Quite remarkable,” she returned. “I thought you weren’t feeling very well or something. Of course, if it was the Exchange...”
“They sort of buzz and blow, don’t you know,” he explained helpfully.
“That must be most fearfully jolly for them,” she agreed. And there was silence for the next two miles....
Once or twice he looked at her out of the corner of his eye, taking in every detail of the sweet profile so near to him. Except for their first meeting at the Carlton, it was the only time he had ever had her completely to himself, and Hugh was determined to make the most of it. He felt as if he could go on driving for ever, just he and she alone. He had an overwhelming longing to put out his hand and touch a soft tendril of hair which was blowing loose just behind her ear; he had an overwhelming longing to take her in his arms, and ... It was then that the girl turned and looked at him. The car swerved dangerously....
“Let’s stop,” she said, with the suspicion of a smile. “Then you can tell me.”