“I do not want to do that. It is all arranged,” he said. “Etta was very much against going at first, but I persuaded her to do so. It would be a mistake not to go now.”
Looking at him gravely, Steinmetz muttered, “I advise you not to go.”
Paul shrugged his shoulders.
“I am sorry,” he said. “It is too late now. Besides, I have invited Miss Delafield, and she has practically accepted.”
“Does that matter?” asked Steinmetz quietly.
“Yes. I do not want her to think that I am a changeable sort of person.”
Steinmetz rose, and standing with his two hands on the marble rail he looked down into the room below. The music of a waltz was just beginning, and some of the more enthusiastic spirits had already begun dancing, moving in and out among the uniforms and gay dresses.
“Well,” he said resignedly; “it is as you will. There is a certain pleasure in outwitting De Chauxville. He is so d—d clever!”