The manicurist and
the barber are coming at six o'clock."
Wingrave nodded.
"What have you there?" he asked, pointing to the parcel.
"Cigars and cigarettes, and jolly good ones, too," Aynesworth
answered, opening a flat tin box, and smelling the contents
appreciatively. "Try one of these! The finest Turkish tobacco grown!"
"I don't smoke," Wingrave answered.
"Oh! You've got out of it, but you must pick it up again," Aynesworth
declared. "Best thing out for the nerves--sort of humanizes one, you
know!"
"Humanizes one, does it?" Wingrave remarked softly. "Well, I'll try!"
He took a cigarette from the box, curtly inviting Aynesworth to do the
same.
"What about lunch?" the latter asked. "Would you care to come round
with me to the Cannibal Club? Rather a Bohemian set, but there are
always some good fellows there."
"I am much obliged," Wingrave answered. "If you will ask me again in a
few days' time, I shall be very pleased. I do not wish to leave the
hotel just at present."
"Do you want me?" Aynesworth asked.
"Not until five o'clock," Wingrave answered. "I should be glad if you
would leave me now, and return at that hour. In the meantime, I have a
commission for you."
"Good!" Aynesworth declared. "What is it?"
"You will go," Wingrave directed, "to No. 13, Cadogan Street, and you
will enquire for Lady Ruth Barrington. If she should be out, ascertain
the time of her return, and wait for her.
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