"Pete put you up to this!"
"I am not in the habit of discussing social affairs with your valet."
"Then it's Aunt Caroline."
"No. Your aunt left everything to me."
Bill began shaking a formidable finger, but the table was between them and Mary felt no immediate cause for apprehension.
"I'll never stand for it. I won't have a party. I won't be here when it happens. You're swinging a club on me. And last night I thought you were a good sport!"
"I merely intend to earn my salary," said Mary. "I make no pretensions to being a sport. I could never hope to equal—— Well, we won't go into the sporting phase of it, if you please."
Bill was momentarily brought to halt. Then came another inspiration.
"Call this off and I'll double your salary," he announced.
Mary shook her head.