"We must hurry matters."
"Why, mama?"
"Sh! They're going to begin again."
I was somewhat put out. What was the reason for such unseemly haste? I was quite shocked by it. It seemed really as if I were being thrown at the gentleman's head. I was in a hurry to know the why and the wherefore. I thought the concert would never end.
After ages of waiting the second interval came, and I began again:
"Mama, tell me why."
"I can't tell you anything just now. It would take too long. I'll tell you all presently, when we get home. But if he's invited it must be to-night; and there's not a minute to lose—yes or no?"
"Mama, you're hurrying me."
"No, I'm not hurrying you. You are at liberty to decline."
"Very well, then—yes."