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 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 XXXXX I want to take her in to dinner .
After Besides if in of off on that to with