On the day of his departure the duke had said to his wife: "I have invited Norman to spend a few weeks with you; have some pleasant people to meet him.

He tells me he shall not go to Scotland this year." "I will ask Miss Byrton and Lady Sheldon," Philippa had promised.
"Only two ladies!" the duke had laughed.

"He will want some one to smoke his cigar with." "I will trust to some happy inspiration at the time, then," she had replied; and they had not mentioned the matter again.
Early in August Lord Arleigh wrote that if it were convenient he should prefer paying his promised visit at once.

He concluded his letter by saying: "My dear Philippa, your kind, good husband has said something to me about meeting a pleasant party.

I should so much prefer one of my old style visits--no parties, no ceremonies.