“You promised to make a note of the day.”
“So I did—not to be from home. But I forgot when I was asked to allow the place to be seen.”
“You must countermand the order to have it opened.”
“That I cannot do. I publicly, at the meeting, announced that I would allow the house and grounds to be overrun on Saturday, and I cannot withdraw the permission.”
“Only for this once.”
“Not for this once. It is the first Saturday after the promise was made. You must postpone your garden-party.”
“I cannot do that. The invitations have been sent out. There is no time; ices, the band, everything, are ordered.”
“Well, Julia, we must make shift as we can.”
“Look here, Lamerton, how will it do to confine our party to the terrace and garden, and have refreshments in the orangery?”
“So be it; that will do very well. The guests will not object. Tell them there has been a clash, and they will enjoy the joke.”