"I couldn't possibly. I can only advise you that there isn't any way in the world to duck it. And that's honest advice, Mr. Marshall."
He resumed his chair and began drawing diagrams on a sheet of paper. This occupation absorbed all his attention for several minutes. When he glanced up he was grinning helplessly.
"Some day I'll get even for this," he said, "but right now I'll admit you've got me. Go ahead, but don't rub it into me any more than you have to."
"Why, of course I won't," declared Mary heartily. "All along I've been trying to save you from getting into society another way."
Bill nodded an acknowledgment of the fact.
"What date shall it be?" she asked.
"The quicker the better. I never got warmed up standing on the edge of a swimming tank, wondering how cold the water was."
"We'll make it as early as possible, then. Do you think it ought to be a large party?"
"No!"
"Neither do I," agreed Mary. "But it ought to be exclusive—very exclusive."