'I asked the Antiquities to tea, and I asked casually how many we might expect.

I thought we might need at least the full dozen of the best teacups.

Now the secretary writes accepting my kind invitation--' 'Oh, good!' we cried.

'And how many are coming ?' 'Oh, only about sixty,' was the groaning rejoinder.

'Perhaps more, should the weather be exceptionally favourable.' Though stunned at first, we presently decided that we were pleased.
We had never, never given such a big party.
The girls were allowed to help in the kitchen, where Mrs Pettigrew made cakes all day long without stopping.