Thought I must say I was rather glad of it; the most tiresome thing about Americans is their eternal speechmaking, I think.
Blakely having faltered his few words of thanks, some one proposed the duke's health; but that had to wait till new glasses were brought in and filled.

Altogether, then, instead of being a solemn, dignified affair, such as one might have expected, it was a tremendously jolly dinner--a little rowdy, perhaps, but delightfully friendly.

If I had entered the dining room as Old Tom Middleton's daughter, "who actually used to live over a livery stable, my dear," it was not so I left it; for the nimbus of the sacred name of Porter had already begun to shed its beautiful light on my many graces and social accomplishments.

Indeed, when I retired with my hostess to the drawing room, it was to hold a sort of reception; Mrs.Tudor Carstairs vied with Mrs.Sanderson-Spear in assurances of regard, "Choicest Flowers" expressed approval, the German baroness, bless her, conferred the distinction of a motherly kiss.

And Blakely's mother was so gracious, so kind and considerate, it was hard to believe we had faced each other, five hours before, with something very like hatred in our eyes.
When Blakely and Dad, and the other men joined us, I was so happy I could have kicked both my slippers to the ceiling.