read. He turned the face toward her. "What is it? I can't see it
in this light."

"Seven-twenty-five!" Claudia sat down dejectedly. "You don't
suppose they could be waiting, do you?"

"I don't." Laine smiled a twisted little smile. "Channing by nature
is a train-despatcher. Dinner on the dot and served swiftly is his
one household demand. They will be half through before we can get
there."

"And I'm starving." She got up. "Well, I can't help it. I had no
business forgetting, but I'm always doing things I oughtn't."

"We'll go up to Sherry's. Dinner isn't limited to Hope's house.
I'll telephone and explain."

"Oh, I mustn't! It isn't just dinner. I have an engagement. Do you
think we could get there very quickly? I can't understand how I
forgot!"




XIII

MR. LAINE GOES SHOPPING ALONE

"Did you ring, sir?"