There was more laughter, but Mrs. Welwyn added anxiously:--
"You did n't mention anything about Southend, did you, dearie?"
"Not me!" said Tilly; "though I was feeling utterly reckless by that time. For two pins I would have told them that I had been presented at Court!"
She rose to her feet.
"That is all I have to say," she announced. "I just mention these little facts to you so that when the Mainwarings come to tea this afternoon you may know what to talk about. See?"
The other members of the conference, avoiding the eager eye of the chairwoman, began to regard one another uneasily. Then Percy said:--
"Tilly, old girl, you've landed us with a bit of a shipping order, ain't you?"
Tilly nodded. "You are right," she said. "But it will only be for an afternoon. We need not invite them again."
But Percy, who was an honest youth, although he wore a dickey, hesitated.
"How about the gallant Ricardo?" he enquired. "What's his position in this glee-party? Is he with us or them?"