"John Merriam."
"And you are a second cousin of Senator Norman?"
"Yes."
"I am an old friend of Senator Norman's," said Alicia. "We are all friends of his." She nodded towards the other table. "And we should very much like to have a little private talk with you about a very important matter.--How do you do, Simpson?"
Merriam looked up again. Waiter No. 73 was standing over them. But he was a transformed being. The ramrod had somehow been extracted from his spine, and his stern features were transfigured in an expression of happy and ingratiating servility.
"Very well, Miss Alicia," he said.
"Simpson used to be my father's butler," explained Miss Wayward. "We've never had so a butler since."
"Thank you, Miss Alicia," said Simpson fervently.
"Send me the head waiter," said Miss Wayward.
"Yes, Miss Alicia," and Simpson departed almost with alacrity.