I was not, however, disposed to consider that I had carried that power too far as yet. So I continued my observations in a strain which was intended to impress them with my conviction that I was the injured party.
“Since, owing to your curious method of managing affairs, so much of the evening has been already wasted, all that remains is for you to do your utmost to enable me to enjoy those portions of the performance which we may still be in time to see.”
“That is our one desire, Miss Norah; our one desire!”
“If that is the case then you will not consider yourselves at all, you will only consider me.”
“How are we to do that, Miss Norah?”
“By observing my wishes.”
“What—wh—what are your wishes?”
The question was asked with a faltering intonation which spoke volumes.
“They are very simple. It is plain that we cannot all sit together. It is equally plain that you cannot agree as to how the division is to be effected. I will solve the difficulty by telling you what are my own wishes in the matter. If you have any regard for me, whatever, you will observe them. Mr Purchase will sit in the stalls with Mr Hammond; Mr Carter with Mr Rumford; Major Tibbet will have his two seats in the upper circle to himself, and I will occupy the box—alone.”
My proposal was not greeted with any greater warmth than I expected. I never saw five blanker looking faces.