Twenty minutes later, to Mr. Dashwood and his companion appeared Robert, with the announcement that the car was in readiness.
Bobby led the way to the Vigo Street entrance, where, drawn up at the kerb, stood a 40-h. p. Daimler car with lamps lit. Bobby looked at this formidable locomotive with an appreciative eye, and the chauffeur sent with it by Simpson getting down, he mounted and took the steering collar. Giveen, innocent of danger as a lamb entering the yard of the butcher, got in and took his seat beside Mr. Dashwood.
"Right!" said Bobby.
He backed into Cork Street, and then, turning again into Vigo Street, passed into Regent Street.
"How far is it, did you say, to Miss Kitchen's?" asked Mr. Giveen.
"I didn't say—but it's not far—at least, with this car. Are you used to motors?"
"No, faith, I've never driven in one before. And are you used to driving them?"
"Oh, pretty well."
"Do you ever have accidents?"
"Accidents! Rather. That's half the fun. The last accident I had the car turned turtle and pinned the fellow that was with us under the engine. The petrol spilt on him, and a spark set it on fire."