“I’m sorry,” he said, “that I can’t tell you what it’s all about. You’ll just have to take my word for it.”
“Have I asked you to tell me?”
“No, you marvel of womanhood. You are dying of curiosity, I don’t doubt, but your restraint is superhuman.”
Again she looked at him keenly. “Bob, you are dying of curiosity yourself. Don’t you suppose I can see?”
“It’s something harder than curiosity,” said Orme simply.
“How eager are you!” She laughed. “Now, there is plenty of time. The trip won’t take us more than half an hour; so come along and meet some friends of mine.”
“Bessie—if you could hurry——”
“We can’t start until the car comes. I’m expecting it at any moment. So be good, and come along. There’s such an interesting man—and very distinguished. We don’t try to pronounce his name. Just think, he was engaged for dinner here, also, and came too late. And ever since he arrived he’s been called to the telephone at five-minute intervals. So exciting! Nobody can guess what he’s so busy about.”
She threaded her way through the lively groups on the veranda, and reluctantly he followed. The voice which he had so nearly recognized sounded closer, then stopped with a curious little laugh that was loudly echoed by others.
Bessie broke in upon the lull that followed. “Excellency, may I present another man who missed his dinner?” she said saucily. “Mr. Orme.”