Tinker received it from her with a very lively satisfaction, and after
a few bonbons, and a desultory chat with her, escorted her down to the
Casino.
The rest of the day seemed very long to his impatience, while to
Claire, harassed by vague doubt and real dread, it seemed exceedingly
short. When the hour for action came, she braced herself, by an
effort, to play her part; but it was with a sinking heart that she
stole, thickly veiled, and bearing a small hand-bag, out of the hotel
and down to the station. She was far too troubled to notice that she
was followed by two guardian angels in the shape of a small boy and a
brindled bull-terrier.
Courtnay met her on the top of the steps which lead down to the
station; and when she found him in a most inharmonious mood of triumph,
she began, even so early, to repent of her rashness. Then went down to
the station as the train _des decaves_, the train of the stony-broke,
steamed in; and they settled themselves in an empty first-class
compartment. Her heart seemed to sink to her shoes as she felt the
train move. Then the door opened, and, hauling the panting Blazer by
the scruff of his neck, Tinker tumbled into the carriage.
Claire gave a great gasp of relief: the sight of him gave her a faint
hope of escape; his presence was a respite.
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