Their eyes met. Hers were faintly insolent. His were inscrutable.
At last he spoke.
"I am sorry you have not enjoyed yourself," he said, speaking rather stiffly. "Will you—by way of a change—come out with me to-morrow night? I think I may anyhow promise you"—he paused slightly—"that you shall not be bored."
There was a short silence. Nina turned and moved the cups on the little tray. She did not, however, seem embarrassed.
"I happen to be engaged to-morrow evening," she said coldly at length.
"Is it important?" he asked. "Can't you cancel the engagement?"
She uttered a little, flippant laugh. She had not hoped for such an opportunity as this.
"I'm afraid I really can't," she said. "You should have asked me earlier."
"What are you going to do?"
There was a new note in his voice—a hint of mastery. She resented it instantly.