I described Mary Alice 's wedding , and Florence 's new young man , and Tom-and-Kate 's twins . Clark tried to be interested but I saw he had something on what serves him for a mind . After awhile it came out . He looked at his watch with a frown . `` I 'm in a bit of a puzzle , '' he said . `` The Mark Kennedys are giving a dinner to-night . You do n't know them , of course . They 're the big people of Broughton . Kennedy runs the politics of the place , and Mrs. K. makes or mars people socially . 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 XXXXX the Harvey 's dance last week .
After Besides at for if in of on that to