"Well, I don't like it at all. I haven't anything against Mrs. Carter, beyond the fact of her being a damned common woman, made up to the eyes, and reeking of scent, but that fellow, Carter, I bar. We've always kept them at arm's-length, and now Heaven knows what you've let us in for!"
"An occasional invitation to them to dine."
"But why?" demanded Sir William. "Don't tell me it's because of a Russian prince! I never heard such nonsense!"
"Dear William, I like you so much when you're stupid! The amazing Ermyntrude is going to build the hospital for us."
"Mat?"
"Not with her own fair hands, dearest. She's going to give us a really big cheque, though. I don't call a few dinner-parties much of a price to pay."
"I call it disgusting!" said Sir William strongly.
"You may call it what you please, my dear, but you know as well as I do that that's how these things are done. Ermyntrude's a kind soul, but she's no fool, and she has a daughter to launch. I don't in the least mind being useful to her if she'll make our hospital possible."
"Do you mean to tell me you're going to drive some sordid bargain with the woman?"
"Dear me, no! Nothing of the kind. I shall merely tell her how much we all want her to join the committee, and how we hope she and her husband will be free to dine with us next month, to meet Charles and Pussy, when they come to stay. Not a breath of sordidness, I promise you!"