"Just as you are, no dressing you know—at seven-thirty on the piazza." And with a smile and an intimate little nod she went on.
"Will you please tell me why you signalled me to accept?" Pendleton inquired.
"Because I wanted you to accept."
"So I gathered—but why? why?"
"I want to see how the old dame does it—and whom she has."
"Couldn't you see quite as well without being in it?"
"Possibly—but I want to be in it.—Never refuse anything that promises enjoyment if you can accept, is my policy. I'm beginning to follow the line of least resistance—I've reached the age to justify it."
"Piffle!" said Pendleton—"you talk like a man of sixty."
"I'm thirty-four, which is quite old enough to warrant one in taking things by the smooth handle."