Such were the very serious consequences of the invention of paper flowers to swim in bowls.

“Please,” said Julia Eliot, taking up her position by the curtain almost opposite the door, “don’t introduce me.  I like to look on.  The amusing thing,” she went on, addressing Mr. Salvin, who, owing to his lameness, was accommodated with a chair, “the amusing thing about a party is to watch the people—­coming and going, coming and going.”

“Last time we met,” said Mr. Salvin, “was at the Farquhars.  Poor lady!  She has much to put up with.”

“Doesn’t she look charming?” exclaimed Miss Eliot, as Clara Durrant passed them.

“And which of them ...?” asked Mr. Salvin, dropping his voice and speaking in quizzical tones.

“There are so many ...”  Miss Eliot replied.  Three young men stood at the doorway looking about for their hostess.

“You don’t remember Elizabeth as I do,” said Mr. Salvin, “dancing Highland reels at Banchorie.  Clara lacks her mother’s spirit.  Clara is a little pale.”

“What different people one sees here!” said Miss Eliot.

“Happily we are not governed by the evening papers,” said Mr. Salvin.

“I never read them,” said Miss Eliot.  “I know nothing about politics,” she added.

“The piano is in tune,” said Clara, passing them, “but we may have to ask some one to move it for us.”

“Are they going to dance?” asked Mr. Salvin.

“Nobody shall disturb you,” said Mrs. Durrant peremptorily as she passed.

“Julia Eliot.  It is Julia Eliot!” said old Lady Hibbert, holding out both her hands.  “And Mr. Salvin.  What is going to happen to us, Mr. Salvin?  With all my experience of English politics—­My dear, I was thinking of your father last night—­one of my oldest friends, Mr. Salvin.  Never tell me that girls often are incapable of love!  I had all Shakespeare by heart before I was in my teens, Mr. Salvin!”

“You don’t say so,” said Mr. Salvin.

“But I do,” said Lady Hibbert.

“Oh, Mr. Salvin, I’m so sorry. ...”

“I will remove myself if you’ll kindly lend me a hand,” said Mr. Salvin.

“You shall sit by my mother,” said Clara.  “Everybody seems to come in here. ...  Mr. Calthorp, let me introduce you to Miss Edwards.”

“Are you going away for Christmas?” said Mr. Calthorp.

“If my brother gets his leave,” said Miss Edwards.

“What regiment is he in?” said Mr. Calthorp.

“The Twentieth Hussars,” said Miss Edwards.

“Perhaps he knows my brother?” said Mr. Calthorp.

“I am afraid I did not catch your name,” said Miss Edwards.

“Calthorp,” said Mr. Calthorp.

“But what proof was there that the marriage service was actually performed?” said Mr. Crosby.

“There is no reason to doubt that Charles James Fox ...”  Mr. Burley began; but here Mrs. Stretton told him that she knew his sister well; had stayed with her not six weeks ago; and thought the house charming, but bleak in winter.