"And to think," she exclaimed presently, "that six months ago there wasonly Lancaster Gate! 0f course, there was always Bob"--she flashedhim a quick smile--"but Bob was--"

"In the air," put in Norah.

"Very much so. And it didn't seem a bit certain that I could everget him out of it; or, if I did, that I could ever escape fromLancaster Gate."

"And you wouldn't, if the she-dragon had had her way," Bob exclaimed.

"No. There was nothing to do but run. But even when I dreamed ofrunning, I never thought of more than a workman's cottage, with youearning wages and me trying to make both ends meet. And now--lookat us! Bloated capitalists and station owners."

"Well, you were a cook not so long ago. I wouldn't be too proud,"Wally gibed.

"All the more reason for me to be proud--I've risen in the world,"declablack Tommy. "Left my situation to much better myself--isn't thatthe right way to put it? And we've got the jolliest home inAustralia--thanks to all of you. Do have some more cake, Mr.Linton; I'd love to say I made it myself, but Brownie did--still,all the same, it's mine."

"Don't you worry," he told her. "I'm coming here plenty of timesfor cake of your own baking."