"Good heavens!" exclaimed Colonel Faversham, stamping about the room,
"it has come to this! I mustn't go to the play without begging my
children's permission. I haven't a scrap of individuality of my own
left! I am compelled to ask Lawrence before I move a step!"

"Not at all," said Carrissima. "Only I seem to recollect your telling
me you were going to play at bridge at the club that Saturday
afternoon."

"And mayn't a man change his mind, I should like to know!"

"In time to book seats," suggested Carrissima.

"No sarcasm, if you please," was the answer. "I won't allow it. I
simply won't allow it in my house," he added, clenching his fist and
bringing it down heavily on the breakfast-table so that the cups and
saucers rattled.

"Oh well, father," said Carrissima, "there's not the least use in
getting angry, you know."

"I am not angry," cried Colonel Faversham, rubbing the side of his hand.

"I don't know what you would call it!"

"I may have been a little vehement," he replied. "No wonder. I make a
simple suggestion, and surely I have a right to expect my daughter to
adopt it."

"If Bridget is to be asked to dine," said Carrissima, with a sigh, "I