"And mayn't a man change his mind, I should like to know!"
"In time to book seats," suggested Carrissima.
"No sarcasm, if you please," was the answer. "I won't allow it. I simply won't allow it in my house," he added, clenching his fist and bringing it down heavily on the breakfast-table so that the cups and saucers rattled.
"Oh well, father," said Carrissima, "there's not the least use in getting angry, you know."
"I am not angry," cried Colonel Faversham, rubbing the side of his hand.
"I don't know what you would call it!"
"I may have been a little vehement," he replied. "No wonder. I make a simple suggestion, and surely I have a right to expect my daughter to adopt it."
"If Bridget is to be asked to dine," said Carrissima, with a sigh, "I think we ought to invite some one outside our own family."
"Am I the master here, or am I not?" demanded Colonel Faversham. "Very well! You will write to Phoebe to-day. Get her and Lawrence to fix an evening—this week if possible—and then ask Miss Rosser."
"Lawrence is not likely to come," suggested Carrissima.