However, even the careful plans of first-class lynxes go awry sometimes. A waiter came to the table to say that Kenna was wanted on the telephone.
"Tell them I'm engaged," was the curt answer.
"It's his Honour Judge Byng, sir," said the waiter in an awed manner, "and I have already told him you were at dinner. He says it is most important."
Kenna glared at the man, then at his companions. The latter appeared placidly indifferent. April sipped her wine, and her eyes roamed round the room whilst she exchanged idle talk with Sarle. But the moment Kenna's back was turned indifference fell from them; they looked at each other eagerly like two school-children in a hurry to take advantage of the teacher's absence.
"Darn him!" muttered Sarle. "I wish Byng would keep him all night."
"He will be back directly," she said breathlessly. Sarle glanced at the plates. They were only at the fish.
"He's got to finish his dinner, I suppose," he said grudgingly. "But can't we escape afterwards? I want to show you the garden."
"He's sure to stay with us," she answered tragically.
"Oh—but to Halifax with him!" began Sarle.
"I know, but we mustn't offend him," she implored hastily. "He . . . he's such a good fellow."