And Nicholas will get a bit of a set-down.

He was bragging about Miss Ethel bringing his invitation to his hand and promising to dance with him.

I wouldn't do it if I were Miss Ethel.

She'll find out, if she does, what it means to dance with a man that weighs twenty stone, and who has never turned hand nor foot to anything but money-making for thirty years." She went away with a sweep and a rustle of her shimmering silk skirt, and left behind her such an atmosphere of hearty good-nature as made the last rush and crowd of preparations easily ordered and quickly accomplished.

Before her arrival there had been some doubt as to the weather.