"He's a dodo," reaffirmed Bill. "He'll crab it all. Cut him off."
"But I've already invited him," said Mary. "It's in the mail."
"He'll talk everybody to death," groaned Bill. "I know him; he's been here to dinner. It's a curse to have a party, but bishops are damnation."
"You surprise me," observed Mary. (He did not.)
"But you don't know this bird and I do. He's so dry that the dust flies out of him when he talks."
"Well, I'm sorry, but it's done. I couldn't very well refuse your aunt."
"Oh, I suppose not. Just because he's a bishop Aunt Caroline thinks he's going to put her on the free-list when she hits heaven. A bishop! What are we going to have at this party? Prayers?"
Mary bent over her work until she was sure that she had command of herself.
"Say!" exclaimed Bill. "I know a stunt. Would it be all right to invite my valet?"