The young man's dignity was only an expression of self-respect; his appreciation of the exact proprieties resulting from this casual introduction to herself and her brother was perfect.

He was already withdrawing.

A waiter had followed him with his discarded newspaper--and Armitage took it and idly dropped it on a chair.
"Have you heard the news, Armitage?
The Austrian sphinx is here--in this very house!" whispered Singleton impressively.
"Yes; to be sure, Count von Stroebel is here, but he will probably not remain long.

The Alps will soon be safe again.

I am glad to have met you." He bowed to the Claibornes inclusively, nodded in response to Singleton's promise to look him up later, and left them.
When Shirley and her brother reached their common sitting-room Dick Claiborne laughingly held up the copy of the _Neue Freie Presse_ which Armitage had cast aside at their table.
"Now we shall know!" he declared, unfolding the newspaper.
"Know what, Dick ?" "At least what our friend without a country is so interested in." He opened the paper, from which half a column had been torn, noted the date, rang the bell, and ordered a copy of the same issue.