to choose a name. But--by Jove--I forgot it in my hurry! Are you
expecting any one to join you? If you are, it's awkward."

"I was expecting someone, but I've given him up."

"Was this table taken in his name or yours? Or, perhaps--but no, I'm sure
you're _not_!"

"Sure I'm not what?"

"Married. You're a girl. Your eyes haven't got any experience of life in
them."

Annesley looked down; and when she looked down her face was very sweet.
She had long, curved brown lashes a shade or two darker than her hair.

"I'm not married," she said, rather stiffly. "I thought a table had been
engaged in the name of Mr. Smith, but there was a misunderstanding. The
head waiter put me at this table in case Mr. Smith should come. I've
given him up now, and was going away when----"

"When you took pity on a nameless man. But it seems indicated that he
should be Mr. Smith, unless you have any objection!"

"No, I have none. You'd better take the name, as I mentioned it to the
waiter."

"And the first name?"

"I don't know. The initial I gave was N."