Irene loves games; Charles likes anything (and anyone) that challenges him. That means he's willing to take a gamble on an anonymous phone call in a strange city, so long as it promises someone interesting and intellectual on the other side.
Of course, the actual finding isn't a challenge for him. Walking up to Queequeg's, he already has two fingers pressed to his temple in search for a particular mind: English woman, intelligent, preoccupied with looking out for someone. What he wasn't expecting was to find a mind, previously unknown, with knowledge of his name and actions already sitting at a table. Sneaky. In an admirable way (and it's not as though he can chide anyone for cheating in this instance). It's enough to make him stop in his tracks, right as he crosses the threshold.
But, for the sake of appearances, he takes a moment or so to make it look as though he's scanning the cafe. Hopefully, at the exact time when Irene spots Charles in her compact mirror (looking smart in pressed trousers, light blue shirt, charcoal sweater and a dark navy peacoat), he'll be looking right back at her.
no subject
Of course, the actual finding isn't a challenge for him. Walking up to Queequeg's, he already has two fingers pressed to his temple in search for a particular mind: English woman, intelligent, preoccupied with looking out for someone. What he wasn't expecting was to find a mind, previously unknown, with knowledge of his name and actions already sitting at a table. Sneaky. In an admirable way (and it's not as though he can chide anyone for cheating in this instance). It's enough to make him stop in his tracks, right as he crosses the threshold.
But, for the sake of appearances, he takes a moment or so to make it look as though he's scanning the cafe. Hopefully, at the exact time when Irene spots Charles in her compact mirror (looking smart in pressed trousers, light blue shirt, charcoal sweater and a dark navy peacoat), he'll be looking right back at her.