“I want above all things in the world,” said Launa slowly, “to drive a hansom, to sit up high and see the world.”
“I bet you five pounds you can’t,” said Mr. George. “I beg your pardon. But I am sure you can’t.”
“How will you climb up?” asked Mrs. Phillips.
“And drive me,” Mr. George said. “I will pay you. Don’t overcharge.”
“You may both come,” answered Launa gaily.
“You must all dine here to-morrow night,” said Lily Phillips. “Launa, make your arrangements, and get it over.”
It was after dinner. Launa and Mr. George had been delightful. Mr. Wainbridge was suffering from his feelings for her; he could not be frivolous. The carriage came for Miss Archer, who sent it away.
“Come,” she said. “Good-night, Lily, I am going to drive. Jacobs got me a hansom, and has arranged it all for me. Do hurry,” she said to Mr. George. “I feel so excited.”
She put on a long driving coat, a little cap, and a very large silk handkerchief, which went round her neck, and covered the lower part of her face completely.
“We can’t start here,” said Launa; “the hansom is in a narrow street close by.”
They found it waiting just round the corner.
“I won’t,” said Mr. Wainbridge, “until you are up. Don’t do it. I wish you wouldn’t.”
“Rubbish,” she replied. “I am going by the back streets. I know the way, so does the mare. I am driving Nell, you know.”
“It is splendid, it gives one such a grip. Let her go.”
They dashed off with a clatter. The mare evidently was pulling.
“I never thought she would do it,” said Mr. George.
“I wish to Heaven she had not tried,” said the other.
“Get out, then,” said Mr. George. “Shall I stop her?”
“No! If she is killed, I’ll be killed too!”
Mr. George laughed quietly with intense enjoyment. They drove through dark streets. Launa had been coached by Jacobs which way to go. In one place where it was brightly lighted there was a public-house and a policeman. She drove slowly. Mr. Wainbridge glanced with apprehension at the stalwart supporter of law.
Then they turned a corner, and stopped in front of Victoria Mansions. Jacobs was waiting. Launa got down.
“It was perfectly celestial,” she said. “I never enjoyed anything so much in my life.”
“Nor I,” said Mr. George, “though I owe you five pounds. There is something romantic in being driven by a woman, and that woman you, and you drive so well. I am callous when I remember that five pounds, though I was alarmed about you.”