There are the two Beltons and George Levinson, to say nothing of Mr.Griffinberg, the railroad king." Stafford stared at his claret glass.
"I wonder why the governor has asked such a crowd ?" he said, musingly.
"A perfectly arranged symphony in colours, I call it," said Howard.
"Fashion is represented by the Fitzharfords and old Lady Clansford; politics by Efford and the Beltons, and finance by Plaistow and Wirsch.
That Griffinberg is coming is a proof that Sir Stephen has got 'a little railway' in his mind; there are several others who seem to have been thrown in, not to increase weight, but to lighten it.

It will be rather amusing--a kind of menagerie which, under less skilful guidance than Sir Stephen's, might be sure to disagree and fight." Stafford sighed.
"Oh, you'll be all right," he said; "but I don't quite see where I shall come in." Howard laughed.
"My dear Stafford, there are some extremely pretty girls with whom you can flirt, and I've no doubt some of the men will join you in your eccentric attempts to drown yourself or break your neck.

_Is_ that the sun coming out, and is it going to clear ?" "I hope so," said Stafford, laughing.

"For I prophesied a fine evening, and a lady was weak enough to take my word for it.

Let us go and rake my father out of the library, and get him into the garden with a cigar." "You may venture upon such an audacity, but not I," said Howard, with simulated fear.