He smiled at the recollection of his dumb surprise at this apparition, and was in the best of humors with himself when he arrived at the inquiry office of the Savoy Hotel and asked for Mr. Peter Vanrenen.
“Left here Sunday, sir,” was the answer. “He will not return for a week.”
This blow dished his hopes. He had counted strongly on gaining Vanrenen’s friendship and sympathy before Cynthia’s dainty vision met his eyes again.
“Has he gone to Paris?” he inquired.
“Can’t say, sir, I’m sure. My orders are to tell callers that Mr. Vanrenen will be in town next Tuesday.”
So, if present arrangements held good, Cynthia would reach London two days before her father. Well, he must contrive somehow to get Lady St. Maur in a proper frame of mind. Mrs. Leland’s presence would be a positive blessing in that respect. Meanwhile, there would be no harm done if he——
Lest prudence should conquer him a second time he sat down and wrote:
Dear Miss Vanrenen—I hope the car is behaving in a manner that befits the messenger of the gods, and that Dale has justified my faith in him. I am here in fulfillment of my promise to call on Mr. Vanrenen: unluckily, he is out of town, and the hotel people say he is not expected back till a day early next week. If you make any change in your programme, or even if you have a minute to spare, though proving yourself a true American by rigidly adhering to schedule, please send a line to yours ever sincerely——
Once more he hesitated at the name, and contented himself by signing “George, the Chauffeur.”