"There don't seem to be many ladies here," says I; "in fact, none to speak of."
"Oh," says he, "they're not expected. You and my wife are exceptions."
"Just so," says I.
"This is a stag party," says he.
"A stag party, where ladies sometimes manage to see and listen. You will have a chance from the back windows, I dare say; only sit low and keep still, the flags will conceal you."
"Oh! it's a stag party at the table, and crouching dears all around," says I, "is it?"
Cousin Dempster laughed till he nearly choked.
"That's capital," says he. "You are getting too bright for anything."
I couldn't quite make out what I'd said that set him off so, but I suppose he did, for he kept on laughing all the way downstairs, and the fun hadn't left his face when he introduced me to Mr. Brooks, who was in the room we entered, talking with some ladies that had come to look on and help his daughter to talk to the Japaneses, who don't understand a word of English.