"Hullo, youngster!" Reggie had greeted him.
"Quite 'ell, I thank ye," Franky had responded.
"Coming for a spin with me?"
No further invitation had Franky required, but had clambered at once, great eyes sparkling, little heart beating high, into the vacant seat beside the driver. The exceeding honour was his to hold the reins, the groom standing at Black Michael's head, while Reggie got down to speak to Deleah at the door.
"Deleah," he said, "I've come to tell you I've done all you asked of me.
I've seen Francis, and I go away next week."
"Good Reggie!"
"I've done it because you asked me; and now I want you to do just one thing for me. I know it's all over, and there's no hope for me, and after to-night I shan't see you any more. I want you to come for a spin with me to-night."
"No, Reggie."
"Yes, Deleah. I've got to go to Runnydale, to tell old Candy I shan't want that little mare. Franky is coming. Franky can sit up between us, Deleah—"
He was very proud of himself for his forethought in securing Franky.
Deleah, chaperoned by Franky, could have no excuse.