I confess so much." "What, then ?" "Well, we ought to decide at once who we are going to ask for the rest of the shooting.

The preserves are splendid, and it seems quite a sin to let them go to waste.

Of course I know a lot of men I could ask, but there should be a few women, too, for you." "Why for me?
I like men a great deal better," says Tita audaciously.
"Well, you shouldn't! And, besides, you have some friends of your won to be asked." "Your friends will do very well." "Nonsense!" with a touch of impatience.

"It is you and _your_ friends who are first to be considered; afterwards we can think of mine." "I have no friends," says Tita carelessly.
"You have your uncle, at all events; he might like----" "Oh, don't be an ass," says Lady Rylton.
She delivers this excellent advice with a promptitude and vigour that does her honour.

Rylton stares at her for a moment, and then gives way to amusement.
"I shan't be if I can help it," says he; "but there are often so many difficulties in the way." He hesitates as if uncertain, and then goes on.