"The Honourable Jane does not approve of it," said young Ronald
Ingram; "therefore she is generally given marching orders and
departs to her next visit before the event. But no one can accompany
Madame Velma so perfectly, so this time she is commanded to stay.
But I doubt if the 'surprise packet' will come off with quite such a
shock as usual, and I am certain the fun won't be so good
afterwards. The Honourable Jane has been known to jump on the
duchess for that sort of thing. She is safe to get the worst of it
at the time, but it has a restraining effect afterwards."

"I think Miss Champion is quite right," said a bright-faced American
girl, bravely, holding a gold spoon poised for a moment over the
strawberry ice-cream with which Garth Dalmain had supplied her.

"In my country we should call it real mean to laugh, at people who
had been our guests and performed in our houses."

"In your country, my dear," said Myra Ingleby, "you have no
duchesses."

"Well, we supply you with quite a good few," replied the American
girl calmly, and went on with her ice.

A general laugh followed; and the latest Anglo-American match came
up for discussion.

"Where is the Honourable Jane?" inquired someone presently.

"Golfing with Billy," said Ronald Ingram. "Ah, here they come."