I left a note asking him to take luncheon with me at the club on the following day, to discuss matters of importance and meet a mutual acquaintance.

I invited him fifteen minutes later than the hour named to Mr.Devar, and in the evening received his acceptance.

As I was walking down St.James Street the next morning I met Alphonse Giraud.
"Will you lunch with me at the club," I said, "to-day, at one.

I want to give you every facility to carry out your scheme to keep an eye on me." Poor Alphonse blushed and hung his head.
"John Turner will be there," I said, with a laugh, "and perhaps we may hear something that will interest you--at all events, he will talk of money, since you are so absorbed in it." So my luncheon party formed itself into a rather queer _partie carree_; for I knew John Turner's contempt for Alphonse, and hoped that he might cherish a yet stronger feeling against Devar.
At the hour appointed that gentleman arrived, and was pleased to be very gracious and patronising.

His manner towards me was that of a man of the world who is kindly disposed towards a country bumpkin.