“She's dining with me, and going to a show,” interposed Giles.
“I see. Thus evincing a proper respect for the dead.”
Giles laughed. “More or less. Will you come, Tony?”
“Yes, please,” said Antonia. “Is it a party, or just us?”
“Of course it's not a party,” said Kenneth. “Where's your sense of decency?”
“I've no doubt these little social convenances seem absurd to you, dear,” remarked Violet, “but Mr Carrington is perfectly right. Going to a public ball and dining quietly with someone at a restaurant are two entirely different things.”
“What a discerning mind you have got, my pet!” said Kenneth admiringly.
“Now, don't start quarrelling,” besought Roger. “Personally I've no objection to Kenneth's going to a ball, none at all. If I wanted to go to it, which I don't, I shouldn't bother about whether it was decent or not for an instant.”
“That we believe,” said Giles. “Oh, I'm your guest! Sorry, Roger, but you asked for it.”
“You needn't trouble about my feelings, because they're not easily hurt,” replied Roger. “My theory is that everybody should do just what they like. There's a great deal too much interference in this world. If Kenneth wants to go to a dance, why shouldn't he? And if Violet doesn't want to, that's her affair. I'll tell you what; you come and have dinner here with me, Violet.”