"In that case, I suppose I shall have to say 'No' to him," she decided. "After waiting all this time, I couldn't bear to be married to a fool."
"You won't be," he assured her cheerfully.
"More British arrogance," she murmured. "Now see what's going to happen to us!"
A tall, elderly man, with smooth white hair plastered over his forehead, very precisely dressed, and with a gait so careful as to be almost mincing, was approaching their table. Pamela held out her hands.
"My dear uncle!" she exclaimed. "And I thought that you and aunt never dined at restaurants!"
Mr. Hastings stood with his fingers resting lightly upon the table. He glanced at Lutchester without apparent recognition.
"You remember Mr. Lutchester?" Pamela murmured.
Mr. Hastings' manner lacked the true American cordiality, but he hastened to extend his hand.
"Of course!" he declared. "I was not fortunate enough, however, to see much of you the other evening, Mr. Lutchester. We have several mutual friends whom I should be glad to hear about."
"I shall pay my respects to Mrs. Hastings, if I may, very shortly," Lutchester promised.
"Are you with friends here, uncle?" Pamela inquired.
"We are the guests of Mr. Oscar Fischer," the Senator announced.
"Naturally," Mr. Hastings replied, with some dignity. "Oscar Fischer is one of the most important men in the State which I represent. He is a man of great wealth and industry and immense influence."
Pamela made a little grimace. Her uncle noticed it and frowned.
"He has just been telling us of his voyage with you, Pamela. Perhaps, if Mr. Lutchester can spare you," he went on, with a little bow across the table, "you will come and take your coffee with us. Your aunt is leaving for Washington, probably to-morrow, and wishes to arrange for you to travel with her. Mr. Lutchester may also, perhaps, give us the pleasure of his company for a few minutes," he added, after a slight but obvious pause.
"Thank you," Pamela answered quickly, "I am Mr. Lutchester's guest this evening. If you are still here, I shall love to come and speak to aunt for a moment later on. If not, I will ring up to-morrow morning."
The bland, almost episcopal serenity of Senator Hastings' face was somewhat disturbed. It was obvious that the situation displeased him.