thick stubble of grey and black. Not one but one hundred diners
looked with curiosity upon the nervous, uncouth old man. There was
a buzz of interest and a craning of necks when the crowd saw the
handsome couple join him at the table in the corner.

"I wish you'd order the dinner for me, Graydon," he said, rather
plaintively. "I can pay for it, Miss Cable," he added with an
attempt at joviality, "but I'm no good at ordering. These young
swells know all about it. Get champagne, Graydon. Order something
nice for Miss Cable. Anywhere up to twenty dollars. I'm not a
millionaire, Miss Cable. Tell the waiter I'll pay for it, Graydon.
This is a swell place, isn't it, Miss Cable? I've never been in
Europe, but they say they can't touch our restaurants over there.
Get oysters, Graydon."

"By Jove, Elias, you are giving us a treat," laughed Graydon. The
old man's mood had changed suddenly. He was beaming in his effort
to be agreeable. A glance around the room had convinced him that
the prettiest woman there was sitting at his table. He felt a new
sense of pride.

"I am proud of myself," said Droom--and he meant it.

"It's very good of you to ask me to come, Mr. Droom," said Jane,
her bright eyes meeting his before they could lift themselves into
the customary stare above her head.

"I'm not so sure about that," said Elias. From time to time he
glanced uneasily toward a table at his left. It was set for six
persons, none of whom had arrived. "I trust it will not be the last