“A special-delivery letter arrived a few minutes ago. I was going to send it over this afternoon by one of the maids.”
“Let me take it! And I’ll have Max take me there to lunch so I can say I was coming to the hotel anyway. Where is it?”
“Broad and Walnut—right across the street from the Ritz Carlton. Your friend will probably know.... Now, you get dressed, Mary Louise, and come over to my apartment for a cup of coffee. You must have something before you leave.”
“Thanks very much, Mrs. Hilliard. If it isn’t too much trouble.”
She was ready before one o’clock, her bandage entirely covered by her hat, and was waiting downstairs in the lobby for Max when he arrived.
“You’re looking fine today, Mary Lou!” he exclaimed admiringly. “How’s the head?”
“Oh, it’s all right. Max, could we go to the Bellevue for lunch? And will you please let me pay the bill—out of my salary? Because it’s on account of the job that I want to go there.”
“Sure we can go,” he replied. “But nix on the bill. Unless you eat everything on the bill of fare.”
“I know, but it’s a big hotel, and it may be dreadfully expensive.”
“We’ll see,” he agreed.