The old gentleman greeted him warmly, and Lorry asked them to
what hotel they were going. On being informed that they expected
to spend the day at the Ebbitt, he volunteered to accompany them,
saying that he intended to breakfast there. Quicker than a flash
a glance, unfathomable as it was brief, passed between the three,
not quickly enough, however, to escape his keen, watchful eyes,
on the alert since the beginning of his acquaintance with them,
in conjunction with his ears, to catch something that might
satisfy, in a measure, his burning curiosity. What was the
meaning of that glance? It half angered him, for in it he
thought he could distinguish annoyance, apprehension, dismay or
something equally disquieting. Before he could stiffen his long
frame and give vent to the dignified reconsideration that flew to
his mind, the young lady dispelled all pain and displeasure,
sending him into raptures, by saying:

"How good of you! We shall be so delighted to have you breakfast
with us, Mr. Lorry, if it is convenient for you. You can talk to
us of your wonderful city. Now, say that you will be good to us;
stay your hunger and neglect your personal affairs long enough to
give us these early morning hours. I am sure we cannot trouble
you much longer."

He expostulated gallantly and delightedly, and then hurried forth
to call a cab. At eight o'clock he breakfasted with them, his
infatuation growing deeper and stronger as he sat for the hour
beneath the spell of those eyes, the glorious face, the sweet,
imperial air that was a part of her, strange and unaffected. As
they were leaving the dining-room he asked her if she would not
drive with him.