"Believe me, I am not to be trifled with.
If you do not come willingly there are other means. I am simply trying to
avoid a disturbance in a public restaurant."
Mr. Parker rose reluctantly to his feet.
"Eve, dear," he said, "I suppose we may as well obey this very autocratic
person. The sooner we go the sooner we shall be back to supper. Mr.
Walmsley, I owe you my most profound apologies. I had no idea when I asked
you to join us that you would become involved in anything disagreeable."
"Don't mind me," I begged him. "I am glad to come. Perhaps we had better
get it over as soon as possible."
"We shall be back," Mr. Parker explained to Luigi, who had strolled up to
see what was happening, "in twenty minutes. Prepare, if you please, three
oyster cocktails, some grilled cutlets, and saute potatoes. Thank you,
Luigi. In twenty minutes, mind!"
We passed out toward the entrance. Mr. Cullen was walking with almost
professional proximity to his companion. Eve and I were a few steps in the
rear.
"Eve," I whispered, drawing her for a moment close to me, "remember that
whatever comes of this--whatever happens--there is no word I have ever
said to you, or to your father about you, which I do not mean and shall
not always mean.
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