CHAPTER II.
When, on the appointed day, I appeared at the hotel in time for dinner, I found the ladies awaiting my arrival. But there were no signs of Mr. Groome. I inquired into the cause of his absence.
"Has Mr. Groome not come up to town with you?"
"Oh, yes," explained Miss Groome; "but he has an engagement which will, perhaps, detain him and prevent him dining here. If it does, he will go on straight to the club. He will be sure to be in good time to hear and see this wonderful Mr. Goad. Really, Mr. Attree, we have been talking and thinking of nothing else since we saw you. I suppose that if papa asks for you they will let him in?"
I assured her that they would. In fact, when we reached the Apollo—for Mr. Groome did not turn up for dinner—I gave instructions that he should be shown into the concert-room directly he arrived. We were early, so that we were able to find comfortable seats before the rush began. Seeing Bensberg on the other side of the room, I signalled to him. When he came I introduced him to the Groomes. Taking my hint, and a vacant chair, he made himself agreeable.
The people were flocking in, but, although I kept a keen look out, still there were no signs of Mr. Groome. There were signs of their being about to commence proceedings. Mrs. Groome began to fidget.
