"
And I left him without further parley, reading his impatience in his
face. Everything, to be sure, seemed clear enough without that
fuller discussion which I loved and Raffles hated. Yet I thought
we might at least have dined together, and in my heart I felt just
the least bit hurt, until it occurred to me as I drove to count the
notes in my cigarette case. Resentment was impossible after that.
The sum ran well into three figures, and it was plain that Raffles
meant me to have a good time in his absence. So I told his lie
with unction at my bank, and made due arrangements for the reception
of his chest next morning. Then I repaired to our club, hoping he
would drop in, and that we might dine together after all. In that
I was disappointed. It was nothing, however, to the disappointment
awaiting me at the Albany, when I arrived in my four-wheeler at the
appointed hour next morning.
"Mr. Raffles 'as gawn, sir," said the porter, with a note of reproach
in his confidential undertone. The man was a favorite with Raffles,
who used him and tipped him with consummate tact, and he knew me only
less well.
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