“Hate parties! Senseless waste of time.”
“It would be kind of you to help to make it more profitable.”
“I’ve no parlour tricks—and don’t see the fun of making a performing bear of myself among a lot of strangers.”
“It would be bearish to refuse, and allow your sisters to go alone! I’ve always longed for a brother to take me about. A nice man is always considerate to girls.”
Miles grunted.
“If I did go, they wouldn’t speak to me all the evening! I never know what to say to strangers. I should have to sit in a corner by myself. There’ll be a crowd of girls—you, and Betty, and Mrs Vanburgh’s sisters, and who knows how many more?”
Cynthia bowed her head in stately salute.
“You would not be ungallant enough to insinuate that there could be too many! It will be your proud privilege to introduce a masculine element into the assembly.”
“Humph!”
“It likewise appears probable to me that Mrs Vanburgh may know a few nice men besides yourself.”