"You can't prove it. I've dodged that kind for many years now, long before you knew what a Civic League was."
"I thought this was your first tea," Jean parried.
"All the more reason for seeing that I enjoyed it. I may come to others."
"You know you're safe on that score. This is the last."
"Well, you've got to atone, in some way, for that performance. Will you come to supper?"
"Supper!"
Jerome smiled. "I don't care if you've eaten a whole cake. I hope you have. Your punishment will be no worse than mine. I promised Alice that I would trot along with her and Sidney to a little joint they always go to after these functions. How much longer will this last? The music is over, isn't it?"
"It is. But this may dribble along till almost eight and there are always a few to stay and eat the scraps. I believe Catherine expects you and Alice and Sidney to be among the chosen few."
"Don't tell Alice; I rather fancy the little joint." Jerome's raised brows indicated Mrs. Dalton, and Jean nodded.
"How soon can you slip away? In ten minutes?"