—and leave me to deal unaided with a cad. I think Bertie knew, too, why he was unhesitatingly obeyed; and racked his brain for further tests. It was not long before he had a brilliant idea.
The car stopped at a level crossing, to let a train go by, and Bertie availed himself of the opportunity to get out.
"Sir Samuel 's going' to let me try my hand at drivin'," said he. "I don't think much of your form, and I 've been tellin' him so. My best pal is a director of the Aigle company, and I 've driven his car a lot of times. Her ladyship will let Elise sit inside, and I 'll watch your style a bit before I take the wheel."
Not a word said Jack. He did n't even look at me as he helped me down from the seat which had been mine for so many happy days. I crept miserably into the stuffy glass cage, where, in the folding chair, I sat as far forward as my own shape and the car's allowed; Sir Samuel's fat knees in my back, Lady Turnour's sharp voice in my ears. And for scenery, I had Bertie's aggressive shoulders and supercilious gesticulations.
The road to Nevers I scarcely saw. I think it was flat; but Bertie's driving made it play cup and ball with the car in a curious way, which a good chauffeur could hardly have managed if he tried. We passed Riom, Gannat, Aigueperse, I know; and at Moulins, in the valley of the Allier, we lunched in a hurry. To Nevers we came early, but it was there we were to stop for the night, and there we did stop, in a drizzle of rain which prevented sight-seeing for those who had the wish, and the freedom, to go about. As for me, I was ordered
