I had no idea of refusing, but I was watching Eve with some anxiety. Her attitude seemed a little negative. However, she welcomed me pleasantly.
"Well," she asked, "is your conscience beginning to prick yet?"
"My conscience," I replied, "is about as imaginary a thing as my early- Victorian drawing-room. I can assure you I have the most profound admiration for your father. I think he is one of the cleverest men I ever met."
She seemed a little taken aback. My tone, I felt quite sure, was convincing.
"Of course," she remarked, "it is possible I have formed a wrong idea of
Englishmen. I have met only one or two."
"I should say it is highly probable," I agreed. "What scheme of villainy is before us to-night? I claim a share in it at any rate."
She shook her head.
"Not to-night, I am afraid."
Mr. Parker, with the menu in front of him, was busy with the waiter and a maître d'hôtel. I dropped my voice a little.
"Why not? Are you going to the theater?"