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CHAPTER XXVII. A SUPPER PARTY AT THE SAVOY

THE supper party given by Mr. Julius Hersheimmer to a few friends on the

evening of the 30th will long be remembered in catering circles. It took place in a

private room, and Mr. Hersheimmer's orders were brief and forcible. He gave carte

blanche--and when a millionaire gives carte blanche he usually gets it!

Every delicacy out of season was duly provided. Waiters carried bottles of ancient

and royal vintage with loving care. The floral decorations defied the seasons, and

fruits of the earth as far apart as May and November found themselves

miraculously side by side. The list of guests was small and select. The American

Ambassador, Mr. Carter, who had taken the liberty, he said, of bringing an old

friend, Sir William Beresford, with him, Archdeacon Cowley, Dr. Hall, those two

youthful adventurers, Miss Prudence Cowley and Mr. Thomas Beresford, and

last, but not least, as guest of honour, Miss Jane Finn.

Julius had spared no pains to make Jane's appearance a success. A mysterious

knock had brought Tuppence to the door of the apartment she was sharing with

the American girl. It was Julius. In his hand he held a cheque.

"Say, Tuppence," he began, "will you do me a good turn? Take this, and get Jane

regularly togged up for this evening. You're all coming to supper with me at the

Savoy. See? Spare no expense. You get me?"

Sure thing," mimicked Tuppence. "We shall enjoy ourselves. It will be a pleasure

dressing Jane. She's the loveliest thing I've ever seen."

That's so," agreed Mr. Hersheimmer fervently.

His fervour brought a momentary twinkle to Tuppence's eye.

"By the way, Julius," she remarked demurely, "I--haven't given you my answer

yet."

"Answer?" said Julius. His face paled.

"You know--when you asked me to--marry you," faltered Tuppence, her eyes

downcast in the true manner of the early Victorian heroine, "and wouldn't take no

for an answer. I've thought it well over----"

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The Secret Adversary