“The Marquise des Pompailles requests the pleasure of the company of M. Zaharoff and the Duquesa de Villafranca to tea at five this afternoon to meet the Prince and Princess von Glitzenstein.”
“A little late,” said the munitions king dryly.
“I am sorry, sir,” murmured Lanny, his face burning.
“We should not have gone,” said the other. In all Lanny's imaginings, it had never occurred to him that an old Greek devil might have a sense of humor; but it was now plain that he did. His lips smiled; but oddly enough, Lanny felt that the blue eyes were not smiling; They still watched.
“Thank you, sir,” said Lanny, returning the letter.
Another silence. Finally the old gentleman remarked: “So Robert Budd thinks I have had his portfolio stolen! May I inquire where this happened?”
“On board the steamer Pharaoh, sir.”
“The thief has not yet reported to me; but as soon as he does, I promise that I will return the property unopened — just as you have done with mine. You will tell your father that?”
“Certainly, sir. Thank you.” Lanny was quite solemn about it, and only afterward did he realize that Zaharoff had been “spoofing” him.
“And you won't feel that you have to intercept any more of my invitations?”