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 speculation." The Sampsons were always speculating.

"The Miss Hopkinsons are a great deal at Pleasance," Willis said stiffly, "Lady Chester is constantly inviting them."

"Dear me! I wish I had known that sooner," said the Baroness, "I had no idea that they were at all in our set, or I would have phrased a little note I sent to them this morning differently."

She had actually written in a fit of superb impertinence, to say that she had a déjeuner dansant on the 16th, and that if Mrs. and the Miss Hopkinsons liked to see it, they would have a good view of the company from some of the upper windows.

"Do, my dear Willis, explain to them that I had no idea that they would like to join in my little fête, but that I shall be happy to see them as guests. It will be very gratifying if Lady Chester and I, between us, bring these girls into society; so mention that I will receive them as guests; in fact, I will send them a regular card." She seemed to think that