The kitten was alert and interested; but he had settled back in his chair, and was looking as absurdly dignified as the flaring pink bow would let him.
"Isn't he a dear ?" Billy was saying.

But Bertram noticed that there was no reply to this question.
It was a peculiar dinner-party.

Only Billy did not feel the strain.

Even Spunk was not entirely happy--his efforts to investigate the table and its contents were too frequently curbed by his mistress for his unalloyed satisfaction.

William, it is true, made a valiant attempt to cause the conversation to be general; but he failed dismally.