"Very well," said Val, with a smile. "For what hour have you ordered dinner?"
"Nine o'clock."
"Nine o'clock! That's awkward—and late."
"Why awkward? You may have to wait for me even then. It is impossible to say when we shall get home from Chiswick. All the world will be there."
"I have just asked Carr to dine with us, and told him to come at six. I don't fancy these hard-working men care to wait so long for their dinner. And he has an appointment for half-past eight."
The colour came flushing into Lady Hartledon's face, an angry light into her eyes.
"You have asked Carr to dinner! How dared you?"
Val looked up in quiet amazement.
"Dared!"
"Well—yes. Dared!"