Perhaps when the moment arrives, I may find myself able to be there.

But do not count upon me--do not count upon me.

Good day, Mr.Schneidekoupon." Schneidekoupon was rather a simple-minded young man, who saw no deeper than his neighbours into the secrets of the universe, and he went off swearing roundly at "the infernal airs these senators give themselves." He told Mrs.
Lee all the conversation, as indeed he was compelled to do under penalty of bringing her to his party under false pretences.
"Just my luck," said he; "here I am forced to ask no end of people to meet a man, who at the same time says he shall probably not come.

Why, under the stars, couldn't he say, like other people, whether he was coming or not?
I've known dozens of senators, Mrs.Lee, and they're all like that.

They never think of any one but themselves." Mrs.Lee smiled rather a forced smile, and soothed his wounded feelings; she had no doubt the dinner would be very agreeable whether the Senator were there or not; at any rate she would do all she could to carry it off well, and Sybil should wear her newest dress.