"We want all Peter's friends," he said, "except those who cannot be present. It will be an advantage if Lady Mary is far away. She doesn't go at all well with Vivette." "Agreed," said Vivette. "She would snuff me out. This is to be my feast. I hardly know whether I ought to allow Mrs. Paragon," she added. "Nonsense," said Mrs. Paragon shortly. "But it isn't nonsense," persisted Vivette. "I shall simply disappear beside you." "Then you must make up your mind to it," said Atterbury. "I'm arranging this dinner, and I must have Mrs. Paragon. I have given up Lady Mary." "We ought to have Lady Mary on the mantelpiece," said Vivette. "She'd go so well with the china." "Envy," Atterbury retorted. "You say that because you can't sit still, and haven't a decent feature in your face." "Lady Mary is the most beautiful woman in the world," Peter solemnly intervened. "Hark to the oracle," cried Vivette. "He's not far wrong," said Atterbury. "My heart always beats a little faster when she comes suddenly round the corner in a crush." "Her mouth is all wrong." "Glass houses, Vivette--you've nothing but your figure and the noise you make." "You agree with Peter?" "Not entirely. Lady Mary's good for a queen." "She's the most beautiful woman in the world," Peter insisted. "You're wrong, Peter. I saw the most beautiful woman in the world four days ago." "This is interesting," said Vivette. "It was in the boat from Havre. I saw at once how beautiful she was and looked after her. She is now at Claridge's and refuses to see me. I think she's from Brittany. Maddened by her extreme loveliness, I indiscreetly dreamed she might come to our dinner." "Just as we are sending Peter safely out of harm's way," exclaimed Vivette. "You must have lost your senses." "I have." "What is her name?" Peter asked. "You see," said Vivette, "you have already excited the poor boy." "I have got her picture." "Is it a funny one?" asked Vivette. "I'm more than a caricaturist. I made a sketch of her on deck when she wasn't looking. What do you think of her, Mrs. Paragon?" Mrs. Paragon took the sketch and quietly examined it. "I should like her to come to Peter's dinner," she said. "What is her name?" "Mdlle. Le Roy," said Atterbury. Vivette looked at Mrs. Paragon in astonishment. "May I look?" she asked. Mrs. Paragon handed her the sketch. "Yes," said Vivette, "she is certainly beautiful." Atterbury turned to her: "She will be worse for you than Lady Mary." "That was my nonsense. I love a beautiful woman." She handed back the picture. "Peter hasn't seen it. He may not approve," she warned Atterbury. "I'm arranging this dinner," said Atterbury. "Still Peter may look." "I'll wait for the original," Peter growled. "Where do you say she is staying?" said Peter's mother to Atterbury. Atterbury wrote out the name and address on a card and gave it to Mrs. Paragon. "I see this is your affair," he said. "I rely on you."