Something in my tone, as I suppose, only added to her irritation.

I, in my turn, was checked sternly at the first word.

"You proposed it," she said; "You are the most to blame." I hastened to make my apologies (inwardly remarking that the habit of raising a storm in a tea-cup is a growing habit with the rising generation in England).

Nugent followed me with more apologies on his side.

Oscar supported us with his superior influence.