He looked at the clock rather eagerly.
"Will you dine here ?" he asked, and Steinmetz wheeled around in his chair.

"I am going out to dinner," he explained further.
"Ah!" said the elder man.
"I am going to Mrs.Sydney Bamborough's." Steinmetz bowed his head gravely.

He said nothing.

He was not looking at Paul, but at the pattern of the carpet.

There was a short silence.