I am asking some
friends to dine to-night whom I wish you and your daughter to meet. You
will then be able to refer to other reputable acquaintances in London
besides myself."
Eve turned round in her chair to listen. Mr. Parker, whose first
expression had been one of unfeigned delight, suddenly paused.
"My boy," he expostulated, "I don't want to take advantage of you. Do you
think it's quite playing the game on your friends to introduce to them two
people like ourselves? You know what it means."
"I know perfectly well," I agreed; "but, as some day or other I'm going to
marry Eve, it seems to me the thing might as well be done."
They were both perfectly silent for several moments. They looked at each
other. There were questions in his face--other things in hers. I strolled
across to the window.
"If you'd like to talk it over," I suggested, "don't mind me. All the same
I insist upon the party."
"It's uncommonly kind of you, sure!" Mr. Parker said thoughtfully. "The
more I think it over, the more I feel impressed by it; but, do you know,
there's something about the proposition I can't quite cotton to! Seems to
me you've some little scheme of your own at the back of your head. You
haven't got it in your mind, have you, that you're sort of putting us on
our honor?"
"I have no ulterior motive at all," I declared mendaciously.
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