The conversation became difficult, almost as difficult as the macaroni au gratin which the three of them were eating. Maurice wished more than ever that Irene was out of the way. He possessed a great sense of justice which compelled him to be particularly polite to her, although his eyes were all for Jenny. The unsatisfactory meal evaporated in coffee, and presently they stood on the pavement.
"I say, I ought to drive you girls home," said Maurice. "But to-night I absolutely must get back and finish this notice in time to catch the three o'clock post. Couldn't we all three meet to-morrow?"
Inwardly he lamented the politeness which led him to include Irene in the suggested reunion.
"All right, Willie Brains," said Jenny.
"Where?"
"Oh, I don't know. Outside the Palace. Good night."
They shook hands discreetly, and though Maurice held Jenny's hand longer than was necessary, he held Irene's just as long in case she might have noticed and felt hurt by the greater attention paid to her friend.
Jenny and Irene turned in the direction of the Tube station by Leicester Square.
"He might have stood us a cab home," complained the latter.
"Why should he?" said Jenny.