_She._ But the place is prettily decorated. It must have cost them a
lot, getting all these flowers.

_He._ I daresay. No doubt they managed it by contract. And lots of
things come from Algeria nowadays. You can get early vegetables in
winter for next to nothing.

_She._ Yes, isn't it lovely? All these palms, I suppose, came from the
Stores.

_He._ No doubt. By the way, do you know the people of the house at
all?

_She._ Not much. Fact was, I was brought. Couldn't find either the
host or hostess. Such a crowd on the staircase, you know.

_He._ Yes. Rather silly asking double the number of people the rooms
will hold, isn't it?

_She._ Awfully. However, I suppose it pleases some folks. I presume
they consider it the swagger thing to do?

_He._ I suppose they do. Do you know many people here?

_She._ Not a soul, or--

_He._ You would not have spoken to me?

_She._ Well, no--not exactly that. But--