“I wish I had a really stunning dress,” remarked Miriam, as they tapped across the wide hall.
“You needn’t.”
The drawing-room door was open. They surveyed the sea of drugget, dark grey in the fading light. “Pong-pong-pong de doodle, pong-pong-pong de doodle,” murmured Miriam as they stood swaying on tiptoe in the doorway.
“Let’s have the gas and two candlesticks, Harry, on the dressing-table under the gas.”
“All right,” mouthed Harriett in a stage whisper, making for the stairs as the breakfast-room door opened.
It was Eve. “I say, Eve, I’m scared,” said Miriam, meeting her.
Eve giggled triumphantly.
“Look here. I shan’t come down at first. I’ll play the first dance. I’ll get them all started with ‘Bitter-Sweet.’”
“Don’t worry, Mim.”
“My dear, I simply don’t know how to face the evening.”