"Of course not. That is the beauty of the situation. That is the paradox which guarantees my spinsterhood. Well, I've had a charming afternoon, Miss Dulcimer, but I must really run away now. I hate keeping men waiting, and I have an appointment with a couple of friends at the Junior Widows'. Such fun! While riding in the park before lunch, I met Guy Fledgely out for a constitutional with his father, the baronet. I asked Guy if he would have a chop with me at the club this evening, and what do you think? The baronet coughed and looked at Guy meaningly, and Guy blushed and hemmed and hawed and looked sheepish and at last gave me to understand he never went out to dine with a lady unless accompanied by his father. So I had to ask the old man, too. Isn't it awful? By the way, Miss Jack, I should be awfully delighted if you would join our party!"
"I asked them to have a chop at the club with me."
"Thank you, Wee Winnie," said Miss Jack, disdainfully.
"But think how thoroughly conventional the baronet is! He won't even let his son go out without a chaperon."
"That is true," admitted Miss Jack, visibly impressed. "He is about the most conventional man I ever heard of."
"A widower, too," pursued Miss Nimrod, pressing her advantage.
Miss Jack hesitated.
"And he dines seven sharp at the Junior Widows'."
"Ah then, there is no time to lose," said Miss Jack. They went out arm in arm.