"What about lunch?" the latter asked. "Would you care to come round
with me to the Cannibal Club? Rather a Bohemian set, but there are
always some good fellows there."

"I am much obliged," Wingrave answered. "If you will ask me again in a
few days' time, I shall be very pleased. I do not wish to leave the
hotel just at present."

"Do you want me?" Aynesworth asked.

"Not until five o'clock," Wingrave answered. "I should be glad if you
would leave me now, and return at that hour. In the meantime, I have a
commission for you."

"Good!" Aynesworth declared. "What is it?"

"You will go," Wingrave directed, "to No. 13, Cadogan Street, and you
will enquire for Lady Ruth Barrington. If she should be out, ascertain
the time of her return, and wait for her."

"If she is out of town?"

"She is in London," Wingrave answered. "I have seen her from the
window this morning. You will give her a message. Say that you come
from me, and that I desire to see her tomorrow. The time and place she
can fix, but I should prefer not to go to her house."

Aynesworth stooped down to relight his cigarette. He felt that
Wingrave was watching him, and he wished to keep his face hidden.