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Luckily both her reflexes and her brakes were in good working order She sla halt with a screa tyres

Sian sat, gripping the wheel, for an instant, then she hite, and a second later bright, angry red

'Are you crazy?' she yelled, leaning out of the

'Sorry, I' round the car to the other

Sian's blonde head followed her reen eyes dilated and incredulous She had had her eyes open for wild ponies or deer All along the road there were signs warning drivers of their presence—but there were none telling you to beware of brides! The last thing Sian had been expecting to see was a bride in full regalia: an extravagantly ro veil thrown back froh head-dress of pearls and tiny white flowers, a beribboned bouquet of white roses and pink carnations clutched in the hand which had gripped the -frame of the car

'I didn't ive ent,' the bride said breathlessly

'Don't tell me the bridal car didn't arrive,' Sian said, unable to stay angry for long, and beginning to ser door 'Hop in, then'

The bride bundled herself and all her layers of satin and lace into the seat with some difficulty, while Sian watched with aht find it funny, but obviously she couldn't see the funny side of her predicament at the moment In fact, there was a look of panic in her face, and Sian felt sorry for having laughed

'Please…' the bride began, and Sian nodded

'Don't worry, I'll get you there on tiroo the church to say you'd be late?' And where was the bride's father, coht curiously, and then saw it had been aalmost faint

'Can we go, please? I'm sorry to rush you but…'

'Not at all,' said Sian quickly, starting the engine again 'Can you direct er around here—isn't it always the way?'

The bride didn't answer for a second, then she said huskily, 'Where are you going?'

'Back to London—I've been down here on holiday, sailing' Sian sat waiting, her hands on the wheel, the engine running, watching the other girl 'So? Where do I go?' she pro

'London,' whispered the bride Sian did a double-take, doubting her own ears

'Sorry?'

'London's fine for me, too,' repeated the other with a self-conscious look, her eyes notSian's

That hen Sian's brain got to work on the situation and she renpost she had noticed a few otand going, but the coincidence was enough to make Sian sit up, alert and watchful

'London? You're sure you want to go to London?' she asked, and the dark girl nodded fiercely

'Yes, please, I've got to get away before…'