"Why—this evening you're going to meet her at a dance, aren't you—at the Walmers'?"
"Yes; I'm looking forward to that."
"Well, don't go—don't turn up. Then she'll miss you. Say, to-morrow, you were prevented."
Van Buren began to smile.
"I see what you mean. It's an idea. You do hand me some good advice! Is it what you would do yourself, Harry?"
"It's what I'm always doing."
"But then I don't like the idea of being rude. One always wants to give the impression of being well-bred, no matter what the facts maybe."
"It won't be rude. She'll be thinking about you much more than if you were there, wondering why you're not."
"You mean it will keep her guessing, Harry?"
"That's the idea. I shan't say you're not coming. I'll pretend to be expecting you too."