He had not the faintest hope that Luttrell would come.

Stella had no doubt pressed him to come.

She had probably been a little importunate.

Luttrell's promise was an excuse, just an excuse to be rid of her--nothing more.
"Luttrell has probably a great deal to do on this last afternoon," he suggested.
"Of course, he won't be able to stay long," Stella Croyle agreed.
"Still, five minutes are worth a good deal, aren't they, if you have waited for them two years ?" She was impenetrable in her confidence.

It clothed her about like armour.