"And you never wrote to Lady Dunstable ?" For he could only imagine that Doris had reconsidered her refusal of the invitation which had originally included them both, and--either tired of being left alone, or angry with him for not writing--had devised this _coup de main_, this violent shake to the kaleidoscope.

But what an extraordinary step! It could only cover them both with ridicule.

His cheeks were already burning.
Doris surveyed him very quietly.
"No--I didn't write to Lady Dunstable--I wrote to _you_--and sent her a message.

I suppose--I shall have to stay the night." "But what on earth are we to say to her ?" cried Meadows in desperation.
"They're out walking now--but she'll be back directly.

There isn't a corner in the house! I've got a little bachelor room in the attics.
Really, Doris, if you were going to do this, you should have given both her and me notice! There is a crowd of people here!" Frown and voice were Jovian indeed.