If you had bestirred yourself to go and see her at eleven before Claudius arrived it would not have happened.

But he will go all the same; never fear.

And the Countess will persuade him too, without our doing anything in the matter." "You would not have thought so if you had seen the way she received the news that he was invited," grumbled the Duke.
"If you associated more with women you would understand them better," replied the other.
"I dare say." The Englishman was cooler, and at last made up his mind to take one of Mr.Barker's cigars.

When he had lit it, he looked across at his friend.

"How do you expect to manage it ?" he inquired.
"If you will write a simple little note to the Countess, and say you are sorry there should have been any misunderstanding, and if you and I leave those two to themselves for ten days, even if she invites us to dinner, they will manage it between them, depend upon it.