"It is ordered," she declared. "You are my guest."

"Impossible!" Laverick asserted firmly. "I have been your guest
at the Opera. You at least owe me the honor of being mine for
supper."

She frowned a little. She was obviously unused to being contradicted.

"I sup with you, then, another night," she insisted. "No," she
continued, "If you are going to look like that, I take it back. I
sup with you to-night. This is an ill omen for our future
acquaintance. I have given in to you already - I, who give in to
no man. Give me some champagne, please."

Laverick took the bottle from the ice-pail by his side, but the
sommelier darted forward and served them.

"I drink to our better understanding of one another, Mr. Laverick,"
she said, raising her glass, "and, if you would like a double toast,
I drink also to the early gratification of the curiosity which is
consuming you."

"The curiosity? "

"Yes! You are wondering all the time why it is that I chose last
night to send and have you presented to me, why I came to your
office in the city to-day with the excuse of investing money with
you, why I invited you to the Opera to-night, why I commanded you
to supper here and am supping with you alone. Now confess the
truth; you are full of curiosity, is it not so?"