"I don't think so while you are here," said Mr. Thambits tenderly.
"What a charming compliment," answered Mrs. Veilsturm with a forced laugh, shutting her fan savagely, for when Dolly was amorous he was simply detestable.
"Not to you," he murmured softly.
"More compliments," she said coolly. "You must pass your days making them up. By-the-way, would you mind telling me the time?"
"Certainly. It is now a few minutes past nine."
"Oh, I say, is it?" cried Mr. Jiddy, jumping up from his chair. "I say, Dolly, we've got to go to Lady Kalsmith's you know."
"I thought you were coming also, Mrs. Veilsturm?" said Dolly, rising reluctantly.
"I! No," she answered, lifting her eyebrows. "Would I be dressed like this if I were going?"
"Mrs. Veilsturm," explained Major Griff, graciously, "is too tired to go out to-night, and thinks a rest will do her good."
"I'm afraid we've tired you," said Thambits, looking at his divinity.