"I'm inviting our friends for _my_ pleasure, not for yours, and I forbid you to speak of them in that wicked, slanderous, disrespectful way.
Come now, sit down here and write me the invitations at once." "For the last time, auntie, I entreat you----" began Austin.
"Not a word more!" replied his aunt.

"Begin without more ado." "Well, if you insist," consented Austin, as he dragged himself into the seat.

"Have you fixed upon a day ?" "No--any day will do.

Just choose one yourself," said Aunt Charlotte, as she dived after an errant ball of worsted.

"What day will suit you best ?" "Shall we say the 24th ?" suggested Austin.
"By all means," replied his aunt briskly.