'Then that's settled. You tell her about it, and I'll write. On Thursday afternoon. The two young pianists, George Ranger and Nevil Butt, are coming, and the little girl, the new Russian singer.' 'A juvenile party?' asked Cecil, laughing. 'No, only two or three people.' 'Two or three hundred, I suppose. Well, I'll get Mrs Raymond to come. Thanks so much.' They shook hands with more than cordiality. As Cecil went out his uncle said-- 'You've been most interesting this morning. But the other girl's the one, you know. Don't neglect her.' He laughed, for he saw the young man was rather flattered at the notion. Evidently, Mrs Raymond was worth knowing. CHAPTER IX The Peculiarities of Raggett 'Oh, Bruce,' said Edith, as she looked up from a Sale Catalogue, 'I _do_ wish you would be an angel and let me have a little cash to go to Naylor and Rope's. There are some marvellous bargains--spring novelties--there, and Archie absolutely _needs_ one or two things.' Bruce frowned and sat down to breakfast, rather heavily. 'I object,' he said as he took his coffee, 'on principle--purely on principle--to spring sales. Women buy a lot of things they don't want, and ruin their husbands under the ridiculous impression they're buying bargains.' 'I won't ruin you, dear. I want to get Archie a coat--and a hat. I only want'--she watched his expression--' a sovereign--or two.' She smiled brightly, and passed him the toast. His manner softened. 'Well, dear, you know I'm not a rich man, don't you?' 'Yes, dear.' 'But I should much prefer that you should get Archie's things at a first-rate place like Wears and Swells, where we have an account, and send me the bill. Will you do that?' 'Of course I will, if you like; but it'll cost more.' She had often marvelled at a comparative lavishness about cheques that Bruce combined with a curious loathing to parting from any coin, however small. 'Then that's settled. And now I want to speak to you about Raggett.' He paused, and then said seriously, 'I've absolutely decided and very nearly made up my mind to have Raggett to dinner tonight at the Savoy.' 'The Savoy?' 'Yes, yes; no doubt this little flat is very comfortable'--he looked round the room with marked disdain--'and cook, thanks to you, isn't half _bad_ ... but one can't give _dinners_ here! And after all I've said to Raggett--oh, one thing and another--I fancy I've given him the impression of a rather luxurious home. It won't matter if he calls here in the afternoon some day, but for a man like that, I'd rather--yes--the Savoy. You look as if you objected. Do you?' 'Not at all. It'll be rather fun. But I'm so glad you can afford it. We haven't an _account_ there, you know.' 'I propose to make a slight sacrifice for once.... I will engage a table and telephone to Raggett. Women never understand that to do things well, once in a way, is sometimes a--a very good thing,' he finished rather lamely. 'All right. I _am_ getting curious to see Raggett!'