[Pg 84] "That has nothing to do with him, or with your tea-party." [Pg 84] "I don't want no tea-party if I'm goin' to be left all on me own, and nobody to help me talk to that Honourable," Million protested almost tearfully. "Lor'! If I'd a known, I'd never have said the gentlemen could come!" "Nonsense," I laughed. "You'll enjoy it." "'Enjoy!' Oh, Miss—Smith! Enjoyment and me looks as if we was going to be strangers," declared Million bitterly. "I don't see why you couldn't oblige a friend, and come in to keep the ball a-rollin', you that know the go of Society, and that!" "I'm sure it's not the go of Society to have in the lady's-maid to help amuse the visitors. Not in the drawing-room, at all events." "But if I ask you——" "If you ask me to do things that are 'not my place,' Miss Million," I said firmly, "I shall give you notice. I mean it." This awful threat had its effect. Million heaved one more gusty sigh, cast one more reproachful glance at her rebellious maid, and dropped the subject. Thank goodness! I shall miss this weird and unparalleled party, but I shall hear all about it at second-hand after that amazingly contrasted couple of young men has departed. It's ten minutes to four now. I have "set the scene" perfectly for this afternoon's [Pg 85] festivity. A hotel sitting-room can never look like a home room. But I've done my best with flowers, and new cushions, and a few pretty fashion journals littered about; also several new novels that I made Million buy, because I simply must read them. Yes, I've arranged the room. I've arranged the carnations. (I hope Mr. Burke will think they look nice.) I've arranged the tea; dainty Nile-green cakes from Gunter's, and chocolates and cigarettes. I've arranged the trembling little hostess. [Pg 85] "Good-bye, Miss Million," I said firmly, as I prepared to depart. "You needn't be nervous; you look very nice in the white French muslin with the broad grey-blue ribbon to match your best feature, your eyes. Very successful."
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