"No; I've been here some time. I saw you as soon as you appeared on the balcony."
Grahame gave her a quick look, and she knew he was wondering why she had waited until the last moment. He was shrewd enough to see that the delay had some significance, but this did not matter.
"Well," he said, "I'm glad you didn't let me pass, because I was going out into the street, and it's doubtful if I'd have come back."
"Yes," said Evelyn; "I seemed to know that."
He was silent for a moment, but his expression was intent and a faint glow of color showed in his brown face. Evelyn let him make what he liked of her admission. She had not been influenced by coquetry, but by a feeling that it was a time for candor.
"I was thinking about an interview I'd just finished—that is why I didn't look round," he explained. "I came from Matanzas this afternoon."
"Then the Enchantress isn't here?"
"No; she's at Matanzas, but I can't get back to-night. Will you be here long?"
"A day or two, waiting for a boat. I wonder whether you would stay and dine with us this evening?" Then a thought struck Evelyn, and she added: "That is, if it isn't undesirable for you to be seen here."
She had not expected him to hesitate and was prepared for his reckless twinkle.