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He was a clean, honest, generous gentleman, and I admired, loved and
respected him as he stood there full of his youth and hope. I suddenly
felt quite old and withered at the root of my being, like some decrepit
king who hands his crown to the young prince. I rose to take my
leave (for what advantage was there in staying?) and felt that I was
abandoning to Dale other things beside my crown.
Lola's strong, boneless hand closed round mine in a more enveloping grip
than ever. She looked at me appealingly.
"Shall I see you again before you go?"
"Before you go?" cried Dale. "Where are you off to?"
"Somewhere south, out of the fogs."
"When?"
"At once," said I.
He turned to our hostess. "We can't let him go like that. I wonder if
you could fix up a little dinner here, Lola, for the three of us. It
would be ripping, so cosy, you know."
He glowed with the preposterous inspiration. Lola began politely:
"Of course, if Mr. de Gex----"
"It would be delightful," said I, "but I'm starting at once--to-morrow
or the day after.


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