"May I make a suggestion, sir?"
"Well?" Bill demanded.
"I could not help but overhear a part of the conversation, sir," said Pete. "It was about the difficulties of getting a social introduction."
Both Bill and Mary were regarding him speculatively, and each was wondering how long he had been listening. But the valet remained unabashed.
"Well?" repeated Bill ominously.
"I might say, sir, that I agree with the young lady—that it will not be so difficult as you think. If I may make bold, sir——"
Bill halted him with a sternly raised hand. He would have preferred to choke him, but valets were not commonly choked in the presence of young ladies. He could do it much better later.
"That will be all from you," barked Bill. "I do not wish any advice from the servants. Leave the room."
But Pete lingered. He even sent an appealing look in the direction of Mary, who showed obvious signs of puzzled interest in the encounter.
"Leave the room!"