‘In character of rational being.’
‘Which you would not have made if the party had not been Georgina Finch’s.’
‘I had no notion whose it was, or anything about it.’
‘It is for her birthday, Tuesday,’ said Violet. ‘They are to have a steamer to Richmond, walk about and dine there; but I should not think that it would be very pleasant. Mrs. Bryanstone had one of these parties last year to Hampton Court, and she told me that unless they were well managed they were the most disagreeable things in the world; people always were losing each other, and getting into scrapes. She declared she never would have another.’
‘Mrs. Bryanstone has no idea of management,’ said Theodora.
‘I know who has less,’ said Arthur. ‘Your Georgina will let every one take their chance, and the worse predicaments people get into the louder she will laugh.’
‘There is nothing so intolerable as a woman who thinks herself too fashionable for good manners,’ said Percy.
‘Is any one waiting for an answer?’ asked Violet.
‘There is none,’ said Theodora. ‘They know I mean to go.’
‘To go!’ exclaimed all three, who had thought the question settled by Arthur’s refusal.