Shotwell, exploring the closely written pages of his note-book, could discover nothing desirable within the terms she was willing to make.
“There’s one house on our books,” he said at last, “which came in only yesterday. I haven’t had time to look at it. I don’t even know where the keys are. But if you’re not too tired–––”
Palla gave him one of her characteristic direct looks:
“I’m not too tired, but I’m starved. I could go after lunch.”
“Fine!” he said. “I’m hungry, too! Shall we go to Delmonico’s?”
The girl seemed a trifle nonplussed. She had not supposed that luncheon with clients was included in a real estate transaction.
She was not embarrassed, nor did the suggestion seem impertinent. But she said:
“I had expected to lunch at the hotel.”
He reddened a little. Guilt shows its colors.
“Had you rather?” he asked.