midday
I had just got this and was taking my first sip , when quite suddenly I saw in the mirror the reflection of George emerging from the doorway opposite . I did n't stop to finish my drink . I put down the tumbler , and nodding to the landlord walked straight out into the street . The pavement was thronged with the usual midday crowd , but pushing my way through I dodged across the road and reached the opposite side-walk just in time to see George stepping into a taxi a few yards farther down the street . I was not close enough to overhear the directions which he gave to the driver , but unless his habits had changed considerably the chances were that he was off to lunch at his club . Anyhow I felt pretty certain that I could pick up his trail again later on at the office if I wanted to . For the moment I had other plans ; it was my intention to follow George 's example and pay a short call upon `` Mademoiselle Vivien . ''