"I will gladly be your escort. Where shall I meet you?"
"There is a milestone about a quarter of a mile on the road to our house, after you have passed the gate into the wood. Don't come any farther. Somewhere between the gate and that."
"I know it. At what time?"
"Half-past eight, or a few minutes earlier. Will that suit you?"
"Perfectly. I will be there."
"If you don't see me before nine don't wait for me. I shall have failed somehow."
"I understand," said Percival.
"I will explain to-morrow. You must trust me till then."
"You shall do as you please. I don't ask for any explanations, remember. Have you been having much croquet lately?"
"Oh, much as usual. Lottie has been beating me, also as usual. We have joined the Fordborough Croquet Club."