"Why not?"
"I don't know. Perhaps it is because I have no one to go with."
Miss Jennings collected her papers and rose.
"Well, I must finish these," she said. "Will there be anything more this morning, Mr. Meldrum?"
"Thank you, that is all."
Philip surveyed the retreating form of Miss Jennings with thoughtful eyes, and his heart smote him. By evicting the incapable Mr. Atherton he had deprived this plucky, chirpy little city sparrow of one of her most cherished recreations.
"Oh—Miss Jennings," he said nervously.
Miss Jennings turned.
"Would you care to come to the theatre with me?"
Miss Jennings's slightly anæmic features broke into a frank smile.