E. F. Benson

“ At that very moment Theodosia Foxinglove, having emitted that spurt of malice on Amy through her butler, was also concentrating. Though the Elizabethan Fair had been boomed at staggering expense in the social columns of every important journal in London, and a perfect galaxy of distinguished people had promised to adorn it, it still lacked the crowning splendour of being one at which orders would be worn. She longed, as with burning thirst, to curtsy to somebody in her own house, and at present she had not secured anybody to curtsy to. ”

“ The telephone that had conveyed this withering message tinkled again, and Amy sprang to it. The Foxinglove might have seen the error of her ways, and even at this eleventh hour have repented, in which case Amy was prepared to call her Theodosia again. But it was only something about grape-fruit, and the thought of eating made Amy feel quite unwell. "She is a snake," she thought to herself, "in Grosvenor Square." ”

“ Foxinglove——"
"She would be," said Amy, suddenly boiling over again. "I can see her trying to get introduced to the Princess. How people push and shove!"
"Perhaps she knows her already," said Christopher.
"Not she! She would have put it in the paper that the Princess was among those who had received an invitation to the Fair. Besides, I always distrust that. To receive an invitation means nothing. I might as well give a party and say that Julius Cæsar had received an invitation. All stuff! Also I know that Theodosia, I mean Mrs. Foxinglove, would give one, if not both her eyes, to get her." ”