"You needn't tell everybody," said Chitterlow with a transitory, confidential hand to his mouth, which pointed the application of the "everybody" just a trifle too strongly. "But I think it's coming off. However——. I mustn't detain you now. So long. You'll come 'round, eh?"
"Right you are," said Kipps.
"To-night?"
"At eight."
And then, and more in the manner of a Russian prince than any common count, Chitterlow bowed and withdrew. Just for a moment he allowed a conquering eye to challenge Helen's and noted her for a girl of quality....
There was a silence between our lovers for a space.
"That," said Kipps with an allusive movement of the head, "was Chitterlow."
"Is he—a friend of yours?"
"In a way.... You see—I met 'im. Leastways 'e met me. Run into me with a bicycle, 'e did, and so we got talking together."
He tried to appear at his ease. The young lady scrutinised his profile.