The guest would be delighted to have some tea. She was famished, she added.
But Arethusa made no reply to this sally. She had not yet forgiven that last remark about Mr. Bennet's ability as a bridge-player.
While the tea and its attendant sandwiches were consumed almost in silence, Arethusa did some thinking. When in Rome do as the Romans do is an excellent old saw, and although Miss Eliza's views on the subject of games played with a deck of cards were firm and had been expressed so as not to be mistaken, Arethusa was meditating open defiance. If the Wonderful Mr. Bennet played bridge, then she, Arethusa, would learn the game, Miss Eliza or no Miss Eliza.
Over her last sandwich, she eyed Miss Warren.
"Is it very hard to learn?"
"What?"
"That.... That card game you called 'bridge'?"
Miss Warren laughed with softness. Arethusa was really rather amusing.
"Why, not at all, I think, for some people. Would you care to learn? I'd be delighted to teach you myself, sometime. Mr. Bennet says I play a very good game."
Arethusa choked on her sandwich.