A little bit worriedly Delcote returned to his seat.
"I shall have to rend the turkey, instead of carve it," he said.
"Rend it," acquiesced Flame.
In the midst of the rending a dark frown appeared between Delcote's eyes.
"These—these guests that you were expecting—?" he questioned.
"Oh, stop!" cried Flame. "Dreadful as I am I never—never would have dreamed of inviting 'guests'!"
"This 'guest' then," frowned Delcote. "Was he...?"
"Oh, you mean ... Bertrand?" flushed Flame. "Oh, truly, I didn't invite him! He just butted in ... same as you!"
"Same as ... I?" stammered Delcote.
"Well..." floundered Flame. "Well ... you know what I mean and ..."