"I'm sorry. I didn't know," said Mavis.
"What? You haven't heard of the rivalry between mushroom Gellybrand's and old-established 'Poulter's'?" exclaimed Mr Poulter.
Mavis did not know what to say.
"Some people is ignorant!" commented Miss Nippett at her silence.
"Gellybrand is the greatest scoundrel and blackleg in the history of dancing," continued Poulter. Then, as if to clinch the matter, he added, "Poulter's 'Special and Select' is two shillings, with carriages at eleven. Gellybrand's is one and six, with carriages at eleven thirty."
"Disgraceful!" commented Mavis, who was anxious to soothe Poulter's ruffled sensibilities.
"That is not all. Poulter's oranges, when light refreshments are supplied, are cut in eights; Gellybrand's"—here the old man's voice quivered with indignation—"oranges are cut in sixes."
"An unfair advantage," remarked Mavis.
"That's not all. Gellybrand once declared that I had actually stooped so low as to kiss a married pupil."
"Disgraceful!" said Mavis gravely.