He went in to take leave of Lily and Gordon and their guests, then emerged hastily and sprang into the car.
Overhead the June stars watched him as he sped through the fragrant darkness.

But with him, time lagged; even the train crawled as he timed it to the ticking seconds of his opened watch.
In the city a taxi swallowed him and his haste; and it seemed as though he would never get to his studio and to the telephone; but at last he heard her voice--a demure, laughing little voice: "I didn't think you'd be brute enough to do it!" "But you said I might call you--" "There are many things that a girl says from which she expects a man to infer, tactfully and mercifully, the contrary." "Did I wake you, Valerie?
I'm terribly sorry--" "If you are sorry I'll retire to my pillow--" "I'll ring you up again!" "Oh, if you employ threats I think I'd better listen to you.

What have you to say to me ?" "What were you doing when I rang you up ?" "I Wish I could say that I was asleep.

But I can't.

And if I tell the truth I've got to flatter you.