"And Christmas will be in three weeks more."
"I guess I know that," Honor said meaningly.
"Well, I want you to do me a big favor this Christmas."
"Really?" said Honor, in surprise, "What big favor can I do for you?"
"I want you and Jean to organize—"
"What?"
"A splendid, big, grand—"
"Christmas pudding?"
"Not quite—but a 'stunning' ball, a real stylish ball; ask everyone you know; throw the doors wide open and give an entertainment with great éclat. You must empty the drawing-room quite out, have the orchestra engaged, and a menu that will outrival everything. I want a jolly, rattling Christmas merriment that everyone will remember …"
Honor looked quickly up, and said in a tone of astonishment: