"No. Only the steak, potatoes, and peas."
The waiter raised his brows ever so slightly.
"And what salad, sir?" he asked.
"No salad, thank you."
"Er—and about dessert?"
"Nothing. After the meal you may bring me a demi-tasse."
The waiter suppressed surprise. A New Yorker may dine simply, but that a still obvious stranger in New York should dine upon less than five courses—that was beyond his experience.
"What cocktail, sir?" he enquired.
"None," said Stainton.
"Very good, sir. Shall I send the wine-card?"