THE DERSINGHAMS AT HOME 127

sider if they had just said something very silly. After
that, she had only to perform the smallest decent action
for people to say that she had a surprisingly kind heart
as well as a terrifyingly clever satirical head. This was all
very well if people had booked rooms under the same roof
for the next three months, but on chance acquaintances,
wondering indignantly what on earth she had against
them, this peculiar manner of hers had an unfortunate
effect.

She now advanced, kissed her hostess, shook hands
with her host, and then, pursing her lips and screwing
up the rest of her features, said: "I hope you've not
been waiting for me. I'm sure you have, haven't you?"
And, strange as it may seem, this remark and this simple
question immediately made the whole dinner party
appear preposterous.

"No, we haven't really," Mr. Dersingham told her, at
the same time asking himself why in the name of
thunder they had ever thought of inviting her. "Some-
body still to come. The Trapes."

"Oh, I'm glad I'm not the last then," said Miss Ver-
ever, with a bitter little smile, which she kept on her
face while she was being introduced to the other guests.

A minute later, the Trapes arrived to complete the
party. Late guests may be divided into two classes,
the repentant, who arrive, perspiring and profusely
apologetic, to babble about fogs and ancient taxis and
stupid drivers, and the unrepentant, who stalk in
haughtily and look somewhat aggrieved when they see
all the other guests, their eyebrows registering their
disapproval of people who do not know what time their
own parties begin. The Trapes were admirable speci-
mens of the unrepentant class. They were both tall