And she didn't want it, said Renniker; it would be as much use to her as a diving suit.
"She has young Dale Kynnersley in tow," he remarked.
"So I gather," said I."And now can you tell me something else?
What is the present state of political parties in Guatemala ?" I was not in the least interested in Guatemala; but I did not care to discuss Dale with Renniker.

When he had completed his sketch of affairs in that obscure republic, I thanked him politely and ordered coffee.
Feeling in a gregarious, companionable humour--I have had enough solitude at Murglebed to last me the rest of my short lifetime--I went later in the afternoon to Sussex Gardens to call on Mrs.Ellerton.

It was her day at home, and the drawing-room was filled with chattering people.

I stayed until most of them were gone, and then Maisie dragged me to the inner room, where a table was strewn with the wreckage of tea.
"I haven't had any," she said, grasping the teapot and pouring a treacly liquid into a cup.

"You must have some more.