"When did you arrive?" she asked.
"Well, the fact is, I haven't arrived yet," said Austen.
"Not arrived" exclaimed Alice, with a puzzled glance into Victoria's laughing eyes.
"Perhaps Humphrey will help you along," Victoria suggested, turning to him. "He might be induced to give you his celebrated grievance about his horses."
"I have given it to him," said Mr. Crewe, briefly.
"Cheer up, Mr. Vane, your fortune is made," said Victoria.
"Victoria," said Mrs. Pomfret, in her most imperial voice, "we ought to be going instantly, or we shan't have time to drop you at the Hammonds'."
"I'll take you over in the new motor car," said Mr. Crewe, with his air of conferring a special train.
"How much is gasoline by the gallon?" inquired Victoria.
"I did a favour once for the local manager, and get a special price," said Mr. Crewe.