"What, then?"
"Well, we ought to decide at once who we are going to ask for the rest of the shooting. The preserves are splendid, and it seems quite a sin to let them go to waste. Of course I know a lot of men I could ask, but there should be a few women, too, for you."
"Why for me? I like men a great deal better," says Tita audaciously.
"Well, you shouldn't! And, besides, you have some friends of your won to be asked."
"Your friends will do very well."
"Nonsense!" with a touch of impatience. "It is you and your friends who are first to be considered; afterwards we can think of mine."
"I have no friends," says Tita carelessly.
"You have your uncle, at all events; he might like——"
"Oh, don't be an ass," says Lady Rylton.
She delivers this excellent advice with a promptitude and vigour that does her honour. Rylton stares at her for a moment, and then gives way to amusement.