Page:Arminell, a social romance (1896).djvu/278

270 to throw open the grounds and house on Saturday! Why, Lamerton, how could you? Saturday is the day on which I proposed to give our garden-party."

" 'Pon my word, Julia, I forgot about your garden-party!"

"You promised to make a note of the day."

"So I did—not to be from home. But I forgot when I was asked to allow the place to be seen."

"You must countermand the order to have it opened."

"That I cannot do. I publicly, at the meeting, announced that I would allow the house and grounds to be overrun on Saturday, and I cannot withdraw the permission."

"Only for this once."

"Not for this once. It is the first Saturday after the promise was made. You must postpone your garden-party."

"I cannot do that. The invitations have been sent out. There is no time; ices, the band, everything, are ordered."

"Well, Julia, we must make shift as we can."

"Look here, Lamerton, how will it do to confine our party to the terrace and garden, and have refreshments in the orangery?"

"So be it; that will do very well. The guests will not object. Tell them there has been a clash, and they will enjoy the joke."

"The public will want to be admitted to the house by the principal entrance."

"Of course. They are to be shown the state apartments, and the doubtful Van Dyck."

"Then—how about our guests? What a predicament you have got me into. We cannot receive our guests at the back door."

"No need for that, Julia. Receive in the garden. The carriages will set down the guests at the iron gates. Pray heaven we may have fine weather!"