AT A COUNTRY HOUSE.
"So glad you have a fine day for your garden-party. Was quite anxious about the weather;" i.e., "Hoped sincerely it would rain hard—hate garden-parties—can't think why I'm here."
"How good of you to undertake such a long drive!" i.e., "hoped it would choke her off."
"So sweet of you to have brought your dear children;" i.e., "Greedy little pigs!—gobble up everything before the real guests arrive."
"Must you really go?" i.e., "About time—you're the last but one."
"Now mind—this is Liberty Hall—I always think true hospitality is, letting people do just what they like;" i.e., "If he's late for breakfast—and IF he shirks driving with Mrs. MORSON!"
"We lunch at half-past one. But don't trouble to be punctual. Quite a moveable feast;" i.e., "If he's unpunctual, he won't forget it."
"Such a lovely drive I want to take you this afternoon;" i.e., "Must pay that call to-day."
"Going to-morrow? Oh, do stay—we had looked forward to quite a week more. Can't you alter it?" i.e., "Quite safe. Know he's got to go."
"Such a sweet girl to have in the house!" i.e., "Slaves for her from morning till night."
