It was accepted.

Mrs.
Ridley was not really well enough, to go out, but for her husband's sake she went with him, and by her presence and the quiet power she had over him held him back from the peril he might, standing alone, have tempted.
A month later, and cards of invitation were received from Mr.and Mrs.
Spencer Birtwell.

This was to be among the notable entertainments of the season.

Mr.Birtwell was a wealthy banker who, like other men, had his weaknesses, one of which was a love of notoriety and display.

He had a showy house and attractive equipages, and managed to get his name frequently chronicled in the newspapers, now as the leader in some public enterprise or charity, now as the possessor of some rare work of art, and now as the princely capitalists whose ability and sagacity had lifted him from obscurity to the proud position he occupied.