“The next time you have something going on here I want you to invite Kate Prentice.”
Mrs. Pantin recoiled.
“What!”
“Don’t squawk like that!” said Mr. Pantin, irritably. “You do it often, and it’s an annoying mannerism.”
“Do you quite realize what you are asking?” his wife demanded.
“Perfectly,” replied Mr. Pantin, calmly. “I’ve passed the stage when I talk to make conversation.”
“But think how she’s been criticised!”
Mr. Pantin got up impatiently.
“Oh, you virtuous dames—”
Mrs. Pantin’s thin lips went shut like a rat-trap.