"But isn't it a bit mercenary?" I said feebly. "Does every one do it?"
"Every one. It is a sort of tax on the unmarried," said Clara with a determined shake of her head. "Quite right that it should be, too."
"Then every one who receives an invitation is expected to contribute to our future welfare?"
"An invitation to the house."
"Well, to the house—then?"
"Certainly."
"Ah, now, my dear, I begin to understand why the presents are always shown."
For all answer Clara extended the sheet of paper on which we had made our calculations.
I capitulated.