“And haven't you?”
“No. I've had nothing to do with them. Mr. Brandreth spoke to me about them a week ago, and I was foolish enough to go round with Mrs. Munger to collect public opinion about her invited dance and supper; and now it appears that I have invented the whole affair.”
“I certainly got that impression,” said the doctor, with a laugh lurking under his gravity.
“Well, it's simply atrocious,” said Annie. “I've nothing at all to do with either. I don't even know that I approve of their object.”
“Their object?”
“Yes. The Social Union.”
“Oh! Oh yes. I had forgot about the object,” and now the doctor laughed outright.
“It seems to have dropped into the background with everybody,” said Annie, laughing too.
“You like the unconventionality of South Hatboro'?” suggested the doctor, after a little silence.
“Oh, very much,” said Annie. “I was used to the same thing abroad. It might be an American colony anywhere on the Continent.”