"We all like your house, Archie," he said.
"We do," I agreed, "and we think it's very nice of you to ask us down to open it."
"It is rather," said Archie.
"We are determined, therefore, to do all we can to give the house a homey appearance. I did what I could for the bathroom this morning. I flatter myself that the taint of newness has now been dispelled."
"I was sure it was you," said Myra. "How do you get the water right up the walls?"
"Easily. Further, Archie, if you want any suggestions as to how to improve the place, our ideas are at your disposal."
"For instance," said Thomas, "where do we play cricket?"
"By the way, you fellows," announced Simpson, "I've given up playing cricket."
We all looked at him in consternation.
"Do you mean you've given up BOWLING?" said Dahlia, with wide-open eyes.