"'Duel for social leadership'-- pardon me for speaking of it as such, but that's what it is; and most interesting, I assure you; and I, for one, trust that you will retain your supremacy, for I know--_I know_," he repeated with emphasis--"that Mrs.Allistair has used some methods not altogether--sportsmanlike, may I say?
And now"-- rapidly shifting once more--"I trust I will not seem indelicate if I inquire whether it is in the scope of your present plans, perhaps at house-parties at the estates of titled friends, to meet the Duke de--" "I have nothing whatever to say!" gasped Mrs.De Peyster, glaring with consuming fury.
"Naturally.

We could hardly expect a categorical 'yes' or 'no.' We understand that your position requires you to be non-committal; and you, of course, understand that we newspaper men interpret a refusal to speak as an answer in the affirmative.

Thank you very much for the interview you have given us.

And I can assure you that we shall all handle the story with the utmost good taste.

Good afternoon." He bowed.