The fact that Gus Trenor was Judy's husband was at times Lily's strongest reason for disliking him, and for resenting the obligation under which he had placed her.

To set her doubts at rest, Miss Bart, soon after the New Year, "proposed" herself for a week-end at Bellomont.

She had learned in advance that the presence of a large party would protect her from too great assiduity on Trenor's part, and his wife's telegraphic "come by all means" seemed to assure her of her usual welcome.
Judy received her amicably.

The cares of a large party always prevailed over personal feelings, and Lily saw no change in her hostess's manner.
Nevertheless, she was soon aware that the experiment of coming to Bellomont was destined not to be successful.

The party was made up of what Mrs.Trenor called "poky people"-- her generic name for persons who did not play bridge--and, it being her habit to group all such obstructionists in one class, she usually invited them together, regardless of their other characteristics.