“But, madame,” protested Wayland, “this is most unkind; you should not treat us as though we were children.”
“I would you were as innocent,” bantered the lady of the house.
“What do you know about us?” said Connors.
“Do you think I don’t get some compensation for allowing Doane among my intimates?” said Ouida.
“So he gives you the news, does he, before the dear public gets it?” said Connors.
“A truce to this nonsense,” said Wayland. “Gentlemen, what shall we do—accept the polite invitation of her royal highness?”
“Accept,” said Ouida, in breathless indignation, “accept? Is there any doubt of it? Oh, well, there need not be. I withdraw it—”
“Seriously?” said Doane.
“I’ll give a railroad,” said the stock broker, “to make my peace with her.”