Mrs. Loveredge wondered why her husband had
not introduced them sooner, but was too blissful to be suspicious.
The Autolycus Club was gradually changing its tone. Friends could
no longer recognise one another by the voice. Every corner had its
solitary student practising high-class intonation. Members dropped
into the habit of addressing one another as "dear chappie," and,
discarding pipes, took to cheap cigars. Many of the older habitues
resigned.
All might have gone well to the end of time if only Mrs. Loveredge
had left all social arrangements in the hands of her husband--had
not sought to aid his efforts. To a certain political garden-
party, one day in the height of the season, were invited Joseph
Loveredge and Mrs. Joseph Loveredge, his wife. Mr. Joseph
Loveredge at the last moment found himself unable to attend. Mrs.
Joseph Loveredge went alone, met there various members of the
British aristocracy. Mrs. Joseph Loveredge, accustomed to
friendship with the aristocracy, felt at her ease and was natural
and agreeable. The wife of an eminent peer talked to her and liked
her. It occurred to Mrs. Joseph Loveredge that this lady might be
induced to visit her house in Regent's Park, there to mingle with
those of her own class.
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