"Agreed," said Vivette. "She would snuff me out. This is to be my feast. I hardly know whether I ought to allow Mrs. Paragon," she added.
"Nonsense," said Mrs. Paragon shortly.
"But it isn't nonsense," persisted Vivette. "I shall simply disappear beside you."
"Then you must make up your mind to it," said Atterbury. "I'm arranging this dinner, and I must have Mrs. Paragon. I have given up Lady Mary."
"We ought to have Lady Mary on the mantelpiece," said Vivette. "She'd go so well with the china."
"Envy," Atterbury retorted. "You say that because you can't sit still, and haven't a decent feature in your face."
"Lady Mary is the most beautiful woman in the world," Peter solemnly intervened.
"Hark to the oracle," cried Vivette.
"He's not far wrong," said Atterbury. "My heart always beats a little faster when she comes suddenly round the corner in a crush."