"An outdoor fête!" was the surprised and involuntary interruption.
"Yes; why not? Similar to the one you gave three years ago. Ah, George! don't you remember it, and what you asked me then? We have never had one since."
"But that was in September; this will be November--too late for that sort of thing."
"Not too late if this fine weather lasts. It-is lovely yet."
"The chances are that it will not last."
"It may. At any rate, George, if it does not, we must entertain the crowd indoors instead of out. But I have set my heart on keeping this day."
"Very well: I have not the least objection."
"And now, George, shall we invite----"
"If you will kindly leave me alone for half-an-hour, Charlotte, I shall have done what I am about, and will talk it over with you as much as you please," he interrupted. "I expect the steward in every minute, and am not ready for him."
"We'll go then, Georgy, and leave papa alone. Make haste."