It 's my first invitation there and it 's necessary I should accept it -- necessary every way . Mrs. K. would never forgive me if I disappointed her at the last moment . Not that I , personally , am of much account -- yet -- to her . But it would leave a vacant place . Mrs. K. would never notice me again and , as she bosses Kennedy , I ca n't afford to offend her . Besides , there 's a girl who 'll be there . I 've met her once . I want to meet her again . She 's a beauty and no mistake . Toplofty as they make 'em , though . However , I think I 've made an impression on her . It was at the Harvey 's dance last week . She was the handsomest woman there , and she never took her eyes off me . I 've given Mrs. Kennedy a pretty broad hint that I want to take her in to dinner . If I do n't go I 'll miss all round . '' `` Well , what is there to prevent you from going ? '' I asked , squiffily . I never could endure the way Clark talked about girls and hinted at his conquests . `` Just this . Herbert Bronson came to town this afternoon and is leaving on the 10.30 train to-night .
He 's sent me word to meet him XXXXX his hotel this evening and talk over a mining deal I 've been trying to pull off .
Besides If about as at of off on that to