"Exactly. And that's why I shall only just be able to get you a
seat."

"You needn't trouble."

"What! Don't you want to come?"

"Is it going to be very good?"

"Good? My dear Alice, we shall that night light such a candle as
shall never be put out. Electric light is doomed. The knell of
acetylene gas has sounded."

"You've only got a few lines, I suppose?"

I looked at her sorrowfully.

"Whose rug is she sitting on?" I said.

"Pomfret's."

"Pomfret is but the bailee of the rug, Alice."

"Oh," she cried, "he's going to be a barrister!"

"Talking of cats," I said stiffly, "and speaking as counsel of
five years' standing- "

I stopped, for she was on her feet now, facing me, and standing
very close, with her hands behind her and a tilted chin, looking