"I did not recognize you when I came in or I would have addressed you personally.

I have particular reasons for occupying a front table here every night this week." The thoughts began to crowd in upon Tavernake's brain.

He hesitated.
"Why not sit down with me ?" he suggested.
The professor acquiesced without a word.

The head waiter, with a sigh of relief, took his hat and overcoat and accepted his order.

Tavernake leaned across the table.
"Professor," he said, "why do you insist upon sitting up here ?" The professor moved his head slowly downwards.
"My young friend, I speak to you in confidence ?" "In confidence," Tavernake repeated.
"I come here secretly," the professor continued, "because it is the only chance I have of seeing a very dear relative of mine.