"And I guess you didn't understand," said Clarence derisively.
"There you are wrong. I am in a Chinese firm, and know the language. As a matter of fact I write their foreign letters for them."
"The deuce you do," murmured Burgh looking rather disturbed; but he said no more on the subject, and merely enquired if the ladies were prepared for the ball at the Bristol which was to take place in six days. "I hear it's going to be a bully affair."
"Oh charming--charming," said Miss Pewsey. "Major Tidman is one of the stewards. I asked him for a ticket for you Clarence dear."
"I'll go, if Miss Rayner will dance with me."
"I don't know that I am going myself," said Olivia quietly.
"Nonsense," said her aunt sharply, "of course you are going. Everyone is going--the best ball of the season."
"Even poor little me," said Miss Pewsey, with her elderly head on one side.
"Huh," said the irreverent Clarence, "ain't you past hoppin' aunt?"
"I can look on and admire the younger generation dear."