"That is the very day I am due at Plymouth."
"You mustn't go, that's all. You must put off your engagement whatever it is."
"Why didn't you consult me before you fixed the date if you wanted me to come?"
"I never wait for that kind of thing. Why, you know, Peter, I always act on the spur of the moment; it is not in me to wait; and I have been writing all the invitations this morning."
"I suppose then I shall have to give up Plymouth," said Peter with one of his kind smiles.
"Of course you will, for I can't really change my day for that. I've written already to engage the band, and my singer has booked the day. You can't get a great singer to change her day just because one of the audience wishes to go to Plymouth, can you?" Sheila laughed contentedly now that she had won her point.
"And who is the singer?"
"Will you promise me to keep a secret? It is Meg. I have, as you know, been giving her lessons and she is to make her debut at my garden party. You don't seem half as surprised as I thought you would be."
Peter smiled.
"There! that's what I can't stand. You never will be taken by surprise. It's most provoking of you. And if you smile at me again I shall scream."