For instance, in Paris such a thing could never happen in any kind of _monde_, unless, perhaps, it were among artists and Bohemians; and even then it would be their great object to prove to one another that they were not wanting in distractions and were very much in demand; the lady, especially, would make the man wait for an opportunity of seeing her again, from calculation, to make herself seem of more value.

Such second-rate solicitudes would never even occur to Edith.

But she had a scruple about throwing over old Mrs Ottley.
* * * * * 'Won't your mother be disappointed ?' Edith asked.
'My dear Edith, you can safely leave that to me.

Of course she'll be disappointed, but you can go round and see her, and speak to her nicely and tell her that after all we can't come because we've got another engagement.' 'And am I to tell her it's a subsequent one?
Otherwise she'll wonder we didn't mention it before.' 'Don't be in a hurry, dear.

Don't rush things; remember...