I have ordered dinner a little earlier than usual." "What time is it now ?" Violet listlessly looked at her jewelled wrist-watch as she spoke.

"A quarter-past six--is that the right time ?" Miss Heredith consulted her own watch, suspended round her neck by a long thin chain.
"Yes, that is right." "What time are you having dinner ?" "A quarter to seven." "What's the idea of having it earlier ?" asked the girl, propping herself up on her pillow with a bare white arm, and looking curiously at Miss Heredith.
"I have arranged for us to leave for the Weynes' at half-past seven.

It is a long drive." "I see." The girl nodded indifferently, as though her curiosity on the subject had subsided as quickly as it had arisen.

"Well, I hope you will all have a good time." She yawned, and let her fair head fall back on the pillow.

"Now I shall try and have a sleep.