“And in the meantime you will prove it by coming out to lunch on Sunday? We might go to the Zoo afterwards, and make friends with some of the animals.”
At the first suggestion of lunch Hal had been ready to shy away, but the idea of the Zoo on Sunday afternoon was too much for her, and she said with unmistakable longing:
“I should simply love the Zoo.” Then, after a pause: “Couldn’t I meet you there about three?”
“But why wait until three? It is not very friendly of you to refuse to lunch with me.”
“I usually go to Lorraine”—somewhat lamely.
“Why not bring Miss Vivian with you?”
“Oh, could I?” eagerly; “that would be splendid—if she is disengaged.”
A curious little half smile crossed his eyes at her eagerness; but he only said:
“Certainly, and if she cares to bring a friend, to make the party an even number, I shall be only too pleased. Shall we say the Piccadilly, for a change, at 1.30?”
Hal thanked him, and as she sped homewards in a taxi he had procured for her, she viewed the prospect with real delight.