Ledward said he had not an engagement, and his satisfaction was keen, for he had not known if Jasper wanted him to stay. Sometimes the old fellow indulged his freakish humor, and Ledward knew he studied him. Although he had said nothing about Evelyn, Ledward supposed she would arrive with Mrs. Haigh. Perhaps Jasper had wanted to see if he would inquire.
“Then we’ll fix it,” said Jasper, and presently went off.
The dinner was at a famous hotel, and Ledward had thought to get there early and meet Evelyn before his employer was about, but he was occupied by some intricate accounts. Jasper had given him the awkward job, which could not be left for the morning, and when Ledward reached the hotel the party waited in the big glass-roofed court.
Crossing the floor, he gave the others an interested glance. Mrs. Carson’s smile was friendly and Mrs. Haigh’s polite. Ledward thought she speculated about his being Jasper’s guest. Evelyn’s look was puzzled, and he doubted if Jasper had told his guests for whom they waited.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I felt I must finish the piece of work, and when I got away the traffic stopped my cab.”
Jasper nodded, and Alan Carson laughed.
“For you to be strenuously occupied is something fresh!”
“Harry’s business was rather important and I’m accountable for his being late. The work that delayed him was mine,” Jasper remarked. “However, I expect our table’s ready. Shall we go in?”
The head waiter led them across the polished floor, and when they sat down Jasper engaged the others in careless talk. Ledward said nothing; he felt when Jasper wanted him to speak he would get his cue. The old fellow, so to speak, was a good stage manager. In the meantime, Harry studied the group.
Jasper was urbanely inscrutable, but one got a sense of command. Alan tried to control his curiosity. Mrs. Carson’s clothes were out-of-date, but she and Jasper wore a stamp the others did not. Yet Mrs. Haigh and Evelyn were fashionable and harmonized with the expensively dressed crowd. By and by Mrs. Carson turned to Ledward.