"Isn't it time for you to dress?"
"No—came home early," replied Mr. Leslie, jerking out his watch. He searched his daughter's face with an apprehensive glance, and again addressed Blake. "Too early. There's time for a run out to George Ashton's. Want to see him on a matter of business. Valuable acquaintance for you to make. Jump into the runabout with me, and I'll introduce you to him."
"Thanks," said Blake dryly. "Not to-day."
"Mr. Blake has just come, papa," said Genevieve. "You would not deprive us of the pleasure of a little visit."
"H'm. By cutting it close, I can wait a few minutes."
"You need not trouble to wait, papa. You can introduce him to Mr.
Ashton some other time."
"May I offer myself as a substitute?" put in Lord James. "Mrs. Gantry has told me so much about the elder Mr. Ashton. Quite curious to meet him."
Blandly taking Mr. Leslie's assent as a matter of course, he started toward the door. "Good-day, Miss Leslie. Ah—do we go out this way? Can't tell you how I value the opportunity. Very good of you, very!"
"Wait," said Mr. Leslie. "Genevieve, haven't you an engagement out, this afternoon?"
"If I had a dozen, papa, I should not deprive Mr. Blake of his call."