'Now we shall be too disgracefully late for the first time.

But be perfectly at your ease, dear.

Promise me that.

Go in quite naturally.' 'How else can I go in ?' 'I mean as if nothing had happened.' 'I think we'd better tell them what _has_ happened,' said Edith; 'it will make them laugh.

I hope they will have begun their dinner.' 'Surely they will have finished it.' 'Perhaps we may find them at their games!' 'Now, now, don't be bitter, Edith dear--never be bitter--life has its ups and downs....