"It isn't like Dicky Vanderpole in the least," Penelope said.
"Since he began to tread the devious paths of diplomacy, he has
brought exactness in the small things of life down to a fine
art."

"He isn't half so much fun as he used to be," Lady Grace
declared.

"Fun!" Penelope exclaimed. "Sometimes I think that I never knew a
more trying person."

"I have never known the Prince unpunctual," the Duchess murmured.
"I consider him absolutely the best-mannered young man I know."

Lady Grace smiled, and glanced at Penelope.

"I don't think you'll get Penelope to agree with you, mother,"
she said.

"Why not, my dear?" the Duchess asked. "I heard that you were
quite rude to him the other evening. We others all find him so
charming."

Penelope's lip curled slightly.

"He has so many admirers," she remarked, "that I dare say he will
not notice my absence from the ranks. Perhaps I am a little
prejudiced. At home, you know, we have rather strong opinions
about this fusion of races."