'By-the-by, Lady Wigger is at the Queen's Hotel, I see. You will call to-morrow.'
'Lady Wigger? But really I don't think I can, dear,' Paula replied, timidly.
'Why not?'
'Why, you know she was so shockingly rude to me at the Huntleys' ball. You said it was abominable, yourself.'
'So it was, but you'd better call.'
'I'd much rather not.'
Dalmaine looked at her with Olympian surprise.
'But, my dear,' he said with suave firmness, 'I said that you had better call. The people must not be neglected; they will be useful. Do you understand me?'
'Yes, love.'
Paula was quiet for a few moments, then talked as brightly as ever....