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           Imustsayitwasquiteadistinguishedparty,andalthoughwedidnotknowanybodypersonally,theyallseemedtobequiteswells.Franchinghadgotaprofessionalwaiter,andevidentlysparednoexpense.Therewereflowersonthetableroundsomefairy-lampsandtheeffect,Imustsay,wasexquisite.Thewinewasgoodandtherewasplentyofchampagne,concerningwhichFranchingsaidhehimself,neverwishedtotastebetter.Wewereteninnumber,andamenûcardtoeach.Oneladysaidshealwayspreservedthemenûandgotthegueststowritetheirnamesontheback.

           Weallofusfollowedherexample,exceptMr.Huttle,whowasofcoursetheimportantguest.

           Thedinner-partyconsistedofMr.Franching,Mr.HardfurHuttle,Mr.andMrs.SamuelHillbutter,Mrs.Field,Mr.andMrs.Purdick,Mr.Pratt,Mr.R.Kent,and,lastbutnotleast,Mr.andMrs.CharlesPooter.Franchingsaidhewassorryhehadnoladyformetotakeintodinner.IrepliedthatIpreferredit,whichIafterwardsthoughtwasaveryuncomplimentaryobservationtomake.

           IsatnexttoMrs.Fieldatdinner.Sheseemedawell-informedlady,butwasverydeaf.Itdidnotmuchmatter,forMr.HardfurHuttledidallthetalking.Heisamarvellouslyintellectualmanandsaysthingswhichfromotherpeoplewouldseemquitealarming.HowIwishIcouldrememberevenaquarterofhisbrilliantconversation.Imadeafewlittleremindingnotesonthemenûcard.

           Oneobservationstruckmeasbeingabsolutelypowerful—thoughnottomywayofthinkingofcourse.Mrs.