According to my custom I dined with Norris in his suite. Forbes went with the ladies to the dining-room.
“Aren't you about ready to go back?” I asked, as I thought of Muggs's smile.
“I should like to,” he said, “but the girls are having the time of their lives, and this air is making a new man of me. Then the young count seems to have let go; he doesn't annoy us any more. I'm hoping that Forbes will settle this count business.”
While we were eating a telegram was put in my hands which read as follows:
I am stopping at the Bristol in Florence and must have your professional advice immediately.
I cannot go to Rome, so will you kindly come here.
I am in serious trouble. If I am not at hotel look for me third corridor of paintings, Uffizi Gallery. Please regard this as strictly confidential. M. Mullet.
I answered that she should look for me the next day, and said to Norris:
“I have to go to Florence to-morrow.”
“Take the car and your wife and the young people,” said he. “The roads are fine, and you'll enjoy it.”