I told my housekeeper that the Contessa's maid was ill,
and would follow her, but that's the only foundation I know of for this
rumour. Amelia encourages me to hope that she will be here early next
week."

"Oh, no doubt that's it!" said Miss Mapp in an aside so that Diva could
hear. "Darling Diva's always getting hold of the most erroneous
information. She must have been listening to servants' gossip. So glad
she's wrong about it."

Mr. Wyse made one of his stately inclinations of the head.

"Amelia will regret very much not being here to-night," he said, "for I
see all the great bridge-players are present."

"Oh, Mr. Wyse!" said she. "We shall all be humble learners compared with
the Contessa, I expect."

"Not at all!" said Mr. Wyse. "But what a delightful idea of yours and
Mrs. Plaistow's to dress alike in such lovely gowns. Quite like
sisters."

Miss Mapp could not trust herself to speak on this subject, and showed
all her teeth, not snarling but amazingly smiling. She had no occasion
to reply, however, for Captain Puffin joined them, eagerly deferential.

"What a charming surprise you and Mrs. Plaistow have given us, Miss
Mapp," he said, "in appearing again in the same beautiful dresses. Quite
like----"

Miss Mapp could not bear to hear what she and Diva were like, and
wheeled about, passionately regretting that she had forgiven Puffin.
This manoeuvre brought her face to face with the Major.

"Upon my word, Miss Elizabeth," he said, "you look magnificent
to-night."

He saw the light of fury in her eyes, and guessed, mere man as he was,
what it was about. He bent to her and spoke low.

"But, by Jove!" he said with supreme diplomacy, "somebody ought to tell
our good Mrs. Plaistow that some women can wear a wonderful gown and
others--ha!"

"Dear Major Benjy," said she. "Cruel of you to poor Diva."

But instantly her happiness was clouded again, for the Padre had a very
ill-inspired notion.

"What ho! fair Madam Plaistow," he humorously observed to Miss Mapp.
"Ah! Peccavi! I am in error. It is Mistress Mapp. But let us to the
cards! Our hostess craves thy presence at yon table."

Contrary to custom Mrs. Poppit did not sit firmly down at a table, nor
was Isabel told that she had an invincible objection to playing bridge.
Instead she bade everybody else take their seats, and said that she and
Mr. Wyse had settled at dinner that they much preferred looking on and
learning to playing. With a view to enjo