CHAPTER VI
THE GLEAM OF STEEL
At the Milan, Arnold found himself early for luncheon. He chose a table quite close to the entrance, ordered his luncheon with some care, and commenced his watch. A thin stream of people was all the time arriving, but for the first half-hour there was no one whom he could associate in any way with his commission. It was not until he had actually commenced his lunch that anything happened. Then, through the half-open door, he heard what he recognized instantly as a familiar voice. The manager of the restaurant hurried toward the entrance and he heard the question repeated.
"Is Mr. Rosario here?"
"We have a table for him, madame, but he has not yet arrived," the maître d'hôtel replied. "If madame will allow me to show her the way!"
Arnold rose to his feet with a little start. Notwithstanding her fashionable outdoor clothes and thick veil, he recognized Mrs. Weatherley at once as she swept into the room, following the maître d'hôtel. She came up to him with slightly upraised eyebrows. It was clear that his presence there was a surprise to her.
"I scarcely expected to see you again so soon," she remarked, giving him her fingers. "Are you lunching alone?"
"Quite alone," Arnold answered.
She glanced half carelessly around, as though to see whether she recognized any acquaintances. Arnold, however, was convinced that she was simply anxious not to be overheard.