"May I ask about what?"
Though the words were curt, Roderick's tone was genial and his face smiling.
"Merely asking you to come to see me to-morrow evening—but your partner is waiting, you must go."
He turned to the young girl beside him, with an apology for his momentary inattention. If his mind was inclined to wander from her to the subject of my approaching communication, he was too courteous and too accomplished a man of the world to let her perceive it. I was almost sorry I had spoken, lest it should spoil his supper. Several times I saw him looking at me; but I only smiled and went on talking to my partner, a brilliant lawyer with a great reputation for wit. Very soon after supper Roderick came over to me, with his usual almost boyish eagerness.
"What do you want to say to me?" he demanded, smiling yet imperious.
"How do you know I want to say anything?" I retorted, smiling back.
"Of course I know, and I am going to hear what it is, too!" he cried, seating himself beside me.
"Now, Roderick," I said, "if I were a charming young lady, such as that one you have just left, I could never resist that face and that voice. But as matters are, you'll just have to wait till I make up my mind to tell you; for spectacled eyes see without glamor, and gray hairs give us wisdom."
He laughed and his face took on a brighter look. I fancy that he knew by my tone I had good news to tell.
"I won't go to see you on Monday night," he declared, "unless you give me a hint."