I felt as if I were looking into a mirror where my reflection persisted in doing things I did n't do , thereby producing a most uncanny sensation . Clark pretended he was glad to see me . He really could n't have been , because his Great Idea had n't struck him then , and we had always disliked each other . `` Hello , Elliott , '' he said , shaking me by the hand with a twist he had learned in election campaigns , whereby something like heartiness was simulated . `` Glad to see you , old fellow . Gad , you 're as like me as ever . Where did you drop from ? '' I explained my predicament and we talked amiably and harmlessly for awhile about family gossip . I abhor family gossip , but it is a shade better than politics , and those two subjects are the only ones on which Clark can converse at all . 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 XXXXX much account -- yet -- to her .
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