Stephanie did not understand the hostess' game, but she caught her significant look and acquiesced.
"I also will vote with the others," she replied.
"The gentlemen, of course, are of the same mind as the ladies so it will be unnecessary to ask them." Miss Chamberlain smiled. "Therefore it is unanimously resolved that Mr. Porshinger be invited to Criss-Cross and to make one of the party. We need another man anyway. I don't hear any objection so the resolution stands. I shall telephone him in the morning."
"And he will be bounder enough to come!" muttered Devereux.
"Of course he will," said Gladys—"it is just because he is a bounder that we're going to ask him. You don't suppose I would venture it on you, or any other gentleman—to take you from another house where you're a guest for the week-end!"
"Cameron, what possessed you to inquire about Porshinger? You're responsible for all this fool thing!" declared Devereux.
"It was a perfectly harmless inquiry," Cameron protested, "which turned out to be loaded. I beg your pardon, Devereux, I shall never do it again."
"Remember I shall expect you men to be civil to him," Miss Chamberlain cautioned.
"Do you actually mean to ask him, Gladys?" said Burgoyne.
"I never was more serious in my life. Moreover it is the will of the table."