"I suppose I had better say that I, and Hetta,--and Felix will accept their invitation."
"I can make no suggestion," said Roger, thinking how delightful it would be if Henrietta could remain with him; how objectionable it was that Henrietta should be taken to Caversham to meet the Melmottes. Poor Hetta herself could say nothing. She certainly did not wish to meet the Melmottes, nor did she wish to dine, alone, with her cousin Roger.
"That will be best," said Lady Carbury after a moment's thought. "It is very good of you to let us go, and to send us."
"Of course you will do here just as you please," he replied. But there was still that tone in his voice which Lady Carbury feared. A quarter of an hour later the Caversham servant was on his way home with two letters,--the one from Roger expressing his regret that he could not accept Lady Pomona's invitation, and the other from Lady Carbury declaring that she and her son and daughter would have great pleasure in dining at Caversham on the Monday.
 "I suppose I had better say that I, and Hetta, and Felix will accept their invitation."
"I can make no suggestion," said Roger, thinking how delightful it would be if Henrietta could remain with him instead. Poor Hetta herself could say nothing. She certainly did not wish to meet the Melmottes, but nor did she wish to dine alone with her cousin Roger.
"That will be best," said Lady Carbury. "It is very good of you to send us."
"Of course you will do here just as you please," he replied; but still with that tone of voice which Lady Carbury feared. Soon the Caversham servant was on his way with the reply.