LADY JANE GOES ABOUT IT
109
words falling out unwittingly. "May I not drop you at Mr. Smith-Parvis's door?"
"No, thank you," she said graciously. "You are very good, but the stages go directly past the door."
As the door closed behind her, Mr. Cricklewick sat down rather suddenly, overcome by his presumption. Think of it! He had had the brass to invite Lady Jane Thorne to accept a ride in his automobile! He might just as well have had the effrontery to ask her to dine at his house!