"Yes. Did you not tell the waiter just now a gentleman was here? I confess you do not seem very pleased to see me."
"You have read my looks correctly," said Wickersham, who was beginning to recover himself, and with it his scornful manner. "You are the last person on earth I wish to see--ever. I do not know that I should weep if I never had that pleasure again."
Keith bowed.
"I think it probable. You may, hereafter, have even less cause for joy at meeting me."
"Impossible," said Wickersham.
Keith put his hand on a chair, and prepared to sit down, motioning Wickersham to take the other seat.
"The lady you are waiting for will not be here this evening," he said, "and it may be that our interview will be protracted."
Wickersham passed by the last words.
"What lady? Who says I am waiting for a lady?"
"You said so at the door just now. Besides, I say so."