“Don’t you wish you may get it?” muttered the slang-loving Bessie.

“That’s one point in which we leave you far behind,” said Mrs. Tallboys.  “We issue our invitations quite independently of the other members of the household.  Each has a separate visiting list.”

“There need be no difficulty,” said Cecil; “all matters of visiting are in my hands.  It is necessary in our position; and if Lady Tyrrell thinks it proper that I should give the first party, I will do so.”

“Bravo, what fun!” cried Mrs. Duncombe, clapping her hands.  “You won’t get into a jolly row, though?” she added, anxiously.

“I am perfectly sure of my ground,” said Cecil, with the dignity of one to whom a ‘row’ was unheard of.  “It is the simple duty of a Member to come forward in promoting free discussion of opinions.”

“You are a public-spirited woman, Cecil,” said Lady Tyrrell.  “When you have made the first move, I’ll follow.  Then whom shall we ask next?”

“Mrs. Moy,” said Bessie.  “She is a nonentity herself, but if Gussie were to be strongly bitten she could do more than any one else, and make her father reform that nest of horrors in Water Lane!”

“I’m afraid the freedom side will bite her more than the sanitary side,” said Lady Tyrrell.

“She is capital fun, though, and a great ally of ours,” said Mrs. Duncombe; “and the rooms at Proudfoot Lawn are worth anything!”

Other details were fixed, even to the day of Cecil’s opening party, which must take place on the first practicable day; but there was none to be found till the Wednesday week, the day before Raymond would return home.  Cecil did not recollect this till the day had been unanimously agreed on, and it was with a little alarm; but after what she had asserted about her freedom of action, she could not retract before the eyes of the American lady; and, as she said to herself, she could receive her own ladies’ party, without interfering with any one else, in the library, so that no one had a right to object.  However, she had a certain anticipation of opposition, which caused her to act before announcing her intention; and thus it was that Rosamond found her dropping a number of notes through the slit in the lid of the post-box.  “Another dinner?” was the question.

“No, this is a soiree in the library, entirely for ladies; Mrs. Tallboys is to explain her views in the evenings at the Principal houses in the neighbourhood.  She will begin here on Wednesday week.”

“Why, that’s before Raymond comes back!”

“This is entirely for women.”

“Women! women’s rights!  How have you got Mrs. Poynsett to consent?”

“I have carte blanche in these matters.”