“Woman,” said Berry indignantly, “you forget yourself.  Besides, I didn’t use a match.  I kindled it by rubbing two sticks together.  Same as they do in Guano, where the jelly comes from.”

Here a diversion was caused by the opening of the door sufficiently to admit a slightly damp white ball with a black spot, which projected itself into the room as if possessed.  Nobby.  Exhilarated to frenzy by the reflection that at least four days must elapse before any one could be bothered to bathe him again, the terrier took a flying leap on to the sofa, licked Daphne’s face, put a foot in Berry’s eye, barked, hurled himself across the room to where Jonah was playing Patience, upset the card-table, dashed three times round the room, pretended to unearth a rat from the depths of Jill’s chair, and finally flung himself exhausted at my feet.

“I suppose this is what they call ‘animal spirits,’” said Berry.  “Or ‘muscular Christianity.’”

“It is well known,” said I, “that exercise after a bath is most beneficial.”

“No doubt,” was the icy reply.  “Well, next time I put my foot in your eye, assume that I’ve had a bath and call it ‘exercise,’ will you?”

“Have you written to the St. Martins?” said Daphne, “to say that you’ll be a day late?”

“I have.  The masterpiece is on the writing-table, awaiting insertion in an envelope.”

I picked up the letter and read aloud as follows—­

MADAM,

I am disposed to refer to your invitation to make one of the house-party due to assemble on the 23rd instant.

I am to say that a malignant Fate has decreed that I shall not dignify your hovel before the evening of the following day.

The feeling of profound disappointment which this announcement will provoke should be tempered by the reflection that you are fortunate indeed to have secured so enchanting a personality for your festivities, which, however hopeless they may appear, cannot fail to be galvanized into some show of life by my inspiring presence.

My luggage and the four ungrateful parasites who have so long battened upon my generosity will arrive on the 23rd, as arranged.  One of the latter has stealthily acquired a mongrel, which, provided he can obtain the necessary permit, he proposes to bring with him.  My protests against this abuse of hospitality have been received with that vulgar insolence which I have, alas, learned to expect.

I am to request you to remember that I am visiting you incognito, as the Duke of Blackpool, and that at this season it is my practice to consume a mince-pie and a bottle of beer before retiring.

I am, Madam,

Your obedient Servant,

BERRY PLEYDELL.

“Outrageous,” said Daphne, “perfectly outrageous.  However, there’s no time to write another, so it had better go.  Boy, be a dear and answer that invitation for me.”