though Mr. de Lisle were a relation," she had frequently said—had gone early to bed, followed by her obedient John.
The two crept up to Judy's room and talked until nearly two. Noel heard all about Cannes and about the people she had met there, including Mr. Colebridge, whom he at once decided he wanted to know.
"He's coming to London in a few days," said Judy, "so your wish may be granted."
Finally he consented to talk about himself. He had heard that afternoon that their departure had been postponed and that they were not leaving for a week—he and his chief with the ridiculous name. He thought he was going to like the job, and it was wonderful how his German was beginning to come back to him at the very thought of the journey.
"The only drawback to the whole thing," he said, "is the feeling that I'm leaving you to fight your battles alone."
That was the moment she had waited for. She told him why she was not utterly dashed to earth by his going. His delight was equal to her own.
"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "Stephen's an old sportsman! I wish there were more like him. I can hardly wait to tell him what I think of him.
