“He’s going to that cocktail party.”
“Oh, yes, I forgot.” A pause now, a silence with great meaning in it.
“Maybe,” and he was saying it at last, “maybe you might go out with me tonight.”
“Me!” Surprise, pleasure, a certain asperity, all these emotions splendidly portrayed in that one word. “Well....”
“Of course if you’re busy....”
“Oh, no....” She spoke almost too quickly. “I’m not really certain,” she added, regaining her dignity. “Perhaps you might call me back around five. I’ll know then.” At that moment both of them knew.
“That would be fine. I hope you don’t think it’s ...”
“Certainly not.” Then she said that any friend of Bob’s was a friend of hers.
Trebling felt pleased with himself for having managed so well. It might take a week but it would still be pleasant. He looked forward to the final moment of yielding. He sighed and started to think of other things.
Caroline, seeing that Holton was on his way back, got up from her chair. “Nice to have seen you, Lieutenant. I’ll be looking forward to your call.”