"But surely you haven't been quarrelling with her ?" "No, indeed! And that is exactly why I _have_ quarrelled with Mrs.
Venables, because I wouldn't refuse to go to the dinner-party at Normanthorpe to-night!" Woodgate was naturally nonplussed.
"Wouldn't refuse ?" he echoed.
"Yes.

She actually asked me not to go; and now I do believe she has gone driving round to ask everybody else!" Woodgate's amazement ended in a guffaw.
"And that is what you quarrelled about!" he roared.

"The woman must be mad.

What reason did she give ?" "She had a reason, dear." "But not a good one! There can be no excuse for such an action, let alone a good reason!" Morna looked at her husband with sidelong anxiety, wondering whether he would say as much when he had heard all.

She was sure enough of him.