She invited an Italian Marchesa whom she had heard her father describe as 'the ablest woman in Rome,' while she herself knew her as one of the most graceful and popular; a young Lombard landowner formerly in the Navy, now much connected with the Court, whose blue eyes moreover were among the famous things of the day; a Danish professor and savant who was also a rich man, collector of flints and torques, and other matters of importance to primitive man; an artist or two; an American Monsignore blessed with some Irish wit and much influence; Reggie Brooklyn, of course, and his sister; Madame Variani, who would prevent Mr.Manisty from talking too much nonsense; and a dull English Admiral and his wife, official guests, whom the Ambassador admitted at the last moment with a groan, as still representing the cold tyranny of duty invading his snatch of pleasure.
'And Mr.Bellasis, papa ?' said Lady Mary, pausing, pen in hand, like Fortitude prepared for all extremities.
'Heavens, no!' said the Ambassador, hastily.

'I have put him off twice.
This time I should have to read him.' * * * * * Manisty accordingly was smoking on the balcony of the villa while he waited for the ladies to appear.

Miss Manisty, who was already suffering from the heat, was not going.

The fact did not improve Manisty's temper.

Three is no company--that we all know.
If Lady Mary, indeed, had only planned this luncheon because she must, Manisty was going to it under a far more impatient sense of compulsion.