June and her companions were ripe for their form of usefulness. They did nothing for the time, but sat silently, perched picturesquely on the table, mantelpiece, chandeliers and bookcases, while the Duchess continued the selection and completed her list.
She drew a line to indicate that it was ended.
June touched the pen. The Duchess scrawled through the line, in effect deleting it, and wrote an additional name.
"Mrs. Barnett Q. Moss." Then she drew a second line.
She frowned and wondered at herself. She ran her pen along the intrusive name to cancel it, but made no mark; the ink was dry. Her frown was repeated.
The Duchess jabbed her pen into the inkpot, dipping viciously; and then, instead of using it to complete the cancelling of the offending name, wrote a letter. She did not even use the form of the third person.
"DEAR MRS. MOSS,
"I have not exactly the pleasure of your acquaintance, but my son Geoffrey has on more than one occasion enjoyed your hospitality, and has spoken to me about your kindness to him. Will you give me the pleasure of knowing you? If you could spare the time to take tea with me here to-morrow at four o'clock, I should be very glad.
"I shall look forward to seeing you then, unless I receive a note or telephone-message to the contrary.
"Yours sincerely,