Mr. Meredith took a large amount of trifle, praising it considerably.
This alarmed Lance more than ever.
"One good thing does not destroy a bad thing," he exclaimed. "The first axiom to be learned in chemistry is that one smell does not kill another. It is a popular delusion that it does. Meredith seems to have been brought up on popular lines."
He posed in front of Cuthbert with his hands in his pockets.
"We are running a great risk," said he. "To-morrow morning Meredith may be saying things about your sisters which may prevent us men from being friends with him--for ever."
Above the general flood of conversation, Aunt Katharine's treble voice might now be heard.
"Mabel," she said in a kind manner, "I must compliment you. When your mother told me about this ridiculous party, I told her she was spoiling you as she always does. In my young days we weren't allowed to be extravagant and experiment in cooking whenever a party occurred. We began with the 'common round, the daily task.'" Aunt Katharine sighed heavily. "But I never knew you could make a trifle like this."
Mabel had been sitting like the others, trying to subdue the merriment which Aunt Katharine's long speeches usually aroused. The wind-up to this tirade alarmed her however. She would have to tell them all, with Mr. Meredith standing there, that the trifle was not her trifle. She would have to say that it was Betty's.
Before she could open her mouth however, the whole loyal regiment of Leightons had forestalled her.
"Isn't it a jolly trifle!" they exclaimed. Mabel could even hear Betty's little pipe joining in.