Lottie and Pip shook hands. The girl's eyes were full of tears. Poor Principal Boy! Kindness which asked for nothing in return had been a rarity in her life. Suddenly she said,—
"Give us a kiss, Jack!"
Pip complied, with a satisfactory thoroughness that elicited a humorous expostulation from the only porter, who was passing by.
"Good-bye!" he said. "You'll be all right when you get to King's Cross."
Which cryptic remark was the last he ever addressed to the Principal Boy, for the train glided out of the station, and he never saw her again.
Before leaving the station Pip despatched the following telegram:—
Lister, Crown Theatre, Strand, London.
Arriving King's Cross 7.30. Can you meet me? Want help badly.
Lottie.