The Honorary Trier bowed.
"Oh what a pity it was an old number," he said. "Miss Linbridge might have had a claim for damages."
"How very ungallant," said Lillie. "Miss Linbridge could have had no claim unless she had been killed."
"Besides," added Miss Linbridge laughing at Lillie's bull, "it wasn't an old number then. The accident happened on New Year's Day."
"Even then it would have been too old," answered Silverdale, "for it is dated December 2d and the assurance policy is only valid during the week of issue."
"What is that?" gasped Miss Linbridge. Her face was passing through a variety of shades.
"Yes," said Lillie. "Here is the condition in print. You don't seem to have noticed it was a back number. But of course I don't wonder at that—there's no topical interest whatever, one week's very much like another. And see! Here is even 'Specimen Copy' marked on the outside sheet. Richard's uncle must have had it given to him in the street."
"The miracle!" exclaimed Miss Linbridge in exultant tones, and repossessing herself of the paper she darted from the Club.