"Is Mr. 'Tiger' Bugg there?" he inquired.
The man who had answered the call departed to have a look round, and then returned with the information that so far Mr. Bugg had not put in an appearance.
"Well, if he does come," said Tony, "will you tell him for me—Sir Antony Conway—that I shall not be able to join him. He can pick up the car at the R.A.C."
The man promised to deliver the message, and ringing off, Tony strolled back through the restaurant to the place where he had parted from his charming if slightly mysterious companion. He met her just coming out of the cloak-room.
"Oh, I hope I haven't kept you very long," she said penitently.
Tony looked down into the clear amber eyes that were turned up to his own, and thought that she was even prettier than he had at first imagined.
"I have only just this moment finished telephoning," he said. "The Central Exchange are like the gods. They never hurry."
She laughed softly, and then, as the waiter on duty opened the door with a low bow, they walked forward into the restaurant.
M. Gustave, more affable than ever, came up to conduct them to their table.
At the sight of the charming arrangement in maidenhair and narcissi which decorated the centre, the girl gave a little exclamation of pleasure.