t mean to
interrupt your _tete-a-tete_, but the fact is, I had engaged the place
for dinner--wired out this afternoon, just before you beat me so
handsomely on the avenue. That's a fine pacer of yours. If you want
to part with her at any time, I hope you 'll give me a chance to make
you an offer."

"I believe the waiter told me you were coming at six-thirty," Emmet
answered coolly, glancing at his watch. "Miss Harpster and I were
counting on another ten minutes to finish our supper."

If the speaker's first stare had failed of its effect, his words now
interpreted it and gave it significance. The lawyer's jauntiness
dropped off, as if a modicum of respect for this man had found its way
into his calculating soul. Here was no poor devil of a conductor, but
the mayor of Warwick, a very different person; and though he was
surprised in an adventure of gallantry, he intended to carry it off
with a high hand, as nobody's business but his own. Cobbens reflected
that the mayor's companion might well be a respectable girl, perhaps
his _fiancee_. Now he was quick to see his trespass and to mend his
manner.

"Why, of course," he assented graciously. "Don't let us hurry you.
The fact is, we all came in here before we noticed the room was
occupied, to leave our wraps. Quaint old place, isn't it? I fancy
Washington could have touched the ceiling with his hand. There's a
fire in the larger room, I believe."

The party took the hint and filed out in silence, leaving Emmet and
Lena in possession of the field. But to the mayor the victory appeared
only half won, for Lena had risen to her feet at their first entrance,
as if to remain standing in the presence of her superiors, thereby
discounting his own assurance. Now she flushed beneath his look of
speechless indignation and reproach. If she had only supported him!
If she had only realised what a beauty she was in contrast with the
other women! As superior as he knew himself to be to that little
Cobbens, or to the bland and elephantine husband of Mrs. Parr.

No words now passed between them, but in the other room the chatter
continued, though in a more subdued key. Emmet knew well that they
were only waiting for him to depart to break forth into excited
comments; and presently he heard the phrase, "What assurance!" followed
by a lull, as if some one had made a cautioning gesture. Then the
somewhat dilapidated piano began to tinkle, as it could tinkle only
under the