“I mean, he will feel very hurt if I don’t give him a full explanation of all this. He stooped from his pedestal to make inquiries just now. Condescension like that surely deserves some recognition.”
“Give him a nice big tip.”
George was reminded of his reason for being in the cab.
“I ought to have asked you before,” he said. “Where can I drive you?”
“Oh, I mustn’t steal your cab. Where were you going?”
“I was going back to my hotel, I came out without any money, so I shall have to go there first to get some.”
The girl started.
“What's the matter?” asked George.
“I've lost my purse!”
“Good Lord! Had it much in it?”
“Not very much. But enough to buy a ticket home. ’
“Any use my asking where that is?”
“None, I’m afraid.”
“I wasn’t going to, of course.”
“Of course not. That’s what I admire so much in you. You aren’t inquisitive.”
George reflected.
“There’s only one thing to be done. You will have to wait in the cab at the hotel while I go and get some money. Then, if you'll let me, I can lend you what you require.”
“It’s much too kind of you. Could you manage eleven shillings?”
“Easily. I’ve just had a legacy.”
“Of course, if you think I ought to be economical, I'll go third class. That would only be five shillings,
