The truth was that Peter hadn't a car of his own and Gilmore knew it.

There was an electric runabout which had gone down to Bloombury with Ellen, and a serviceable roadster which was part of the office equipment, but the rich Mr.Weatheral had never taken the pains to own a private car.

Now, as he hastily drew out his watch, it occurred to him that Lessing's chauffeur was a fellow of more perspicuity than he had given him credit for.

The two men communicated wordlessly across the cool width of the terrace steps.
"At what hour," Peter wished to know, "would we have to leave here to reach Maplemont in good time?
Then if you can be ready to leave the moment my car gets here...." He excused himself to go to the telephone; half an hour later when he joined the family at breakfast he had discovered some of the things that, besides making more money with it, can be done with money.
The knowledge suited him like his own garment, as if it had been lying ready for him to put on when the occasion required it, and now became him admirably.

He perceived it to be a proper male function to produce easily and with precision whatever utterly charming young ladies might reasonably require.