He summoned the waiter again, and gave a more detailed description of Mademoiselle Flossie.

The waiter was regretful but positive.

No young lady of any description had arrived expecting to meet a gentleman in a private room.

Duncombe tried him with her name.
But yes, Mademoiselle Mermillon was exceedingly well known there! He would give orders that she should be shown up immediately she arrived.
It would be soon, without doubt.
At a quarter-past eight Duncombe dined alone, too disappointed to resent the waiter's sympathetic attitude.

At nine o'clock he returned to the hotel on the chance that a message might have been sent there.