and again Chelubai jerked nervously on his feet, and every time my heart jumped into my mouth. I wanted very badly to say something cheerful, but for the life of me I could not find words. Besides, my mouth was too dry.
Then a cab clattered into the street, and drew up only a few doors from us. Our enemies got out of it, and a bitter altercation about sixpence followed. I found it very tiresome indeed, for I was burning to get the business over, and it had the happy effect of making me again furiously angry with Pudleigh. At last the cabman, worsted, whipped up his horse and went up the street; half way up it he stopped his cab and shouted back: "Eyetalian! Dirty Eyetalian!"
"What impudence!" we heard the lady say.
"I don't notice those fellers," said Pudleigh superbly.
"How brave you are, Albert!" said the lady. "I am always afraid of them."
"I fancy that I can take care of meself," said Pudleigh. And though I could not see him, I knew well that he spoke with the great air.
"I'm sure you can," said the lady.
Some embracing followed. Then the lady opened the door with her latch-key.
"One more 'ug, ducky," said Pudleigh. We heard the sound of a smacking kiss, and the door was shut.
