XV
HEY dined almost alone in a corner of the glassed-in porch. Tubs of palms had been placed about their table and screened them effectively from the other diners. From indoors the strains of an orchestra came softly. Through the glass the waters of the Sound were dimly visible in the starlight, with here and there a ship's lantern pricking the purple darkness with an orange flame. There were flowers on the table, white lilacs and pink roses. The head waiter seated them, gave his orders in undertones to two flurried underlings and presented a slip to Gordon.
"This is what I had arranged, Mr. Ames. Is there anything else, sir? Anything you'd like changed?"
"Not a thing, Burke. It seems perfect."
"Thank you, sir." The head seemed really pleased. "And the wine?"
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