Don't desert me." Allen took this at face value; and it seemed only ordinary courtesy to wait to say good-night to a young woman who was coming back in a moment to report upon the condition of a sick mother.

In ten minutes Marian reappeared, having left her wraps behind.
"Mama is sleeping beautifully.

And that's a sign that she's better." Here clearly was an end of the matter, and Dan had begun to say good-night; but with the prettiest grace possible Marian was addressing Allen:-- "I'm terribly hungry and I sent down an order for just the smallest supper.

You see, I took it for granted that you would both be just as hungry as I am, so you must come and keep me company." And to anticipate the refusal that already glittered coldly in Dan's eye, she continued, "Mama doesn't like me to be going into the restaurant alone, but she approves of Mr.Harwood." The head waiter was already leading them to a table set for three in accordance with the order Manan had telephoned from her room.

She had eliminated the possibility of discussion, and Harwood raged in his helplessness.