"Imitations, unfortunately," she sighed. "They may look very nice, but they don't feel like the real thing."
"Why can't I go to the opera with you?" I suggested.
"Because there are no vacant seats anywhere near ours," she replied. "You see we happen to know whom we are going to sit near."
"Anyhow, I think I shall go," I decided, "I may be able to come and talk to you between the acts at any rate."
Mr. Parker, having finished giving his orders, joined in the conversation, and we dined together quite cheerily. For educated Americans they seemed very ignorant of English life, and I was not surprised to hear that it was their first visit to Europe. They listened with interest to a great deal that I told them. It was only as we were preparing to leave the place that I asked Mr. Parker a definite question.
"Tell me," I whispered, "have you really any plans for to-night?"
He nodded. "Sure! We are in luck just now. There's nothing like backing it."
"Are those fellows I saw you with this morning at the Milan in it? If so I am going to take Miss Parker away. There are limits—"
He patted me on the back.
"That little affair is off for to-night at any rate. A lady we are very anxious to meet is going to the opera. The little girl wants a pearl necklace. Well, we shall see!"