York, and very little wearied by its long trip. Here and there two talked together. It was like an intermission between the acts.
Mr. Minot turned to the Omaha girl. Even though she was two wives behind on Mr. Nat Goodwin's career, one must be polite.
It was at the close of the dinner that Mrs. Bruce scored her most telling point. She and Lord Harrowby were conversing about a famous English author, and when she was sure she had the attention of the table, she remarked:
"Yes, we met his wife at the Masonbys'. But I have always felt that the wife of a celebrity is like the coupon on one's railway ticket."
"How's that, Mrs. Bruce?" Minot inquired. After all, Paddock had been kind to him.
"Not good if detached," said Mrs. Bruce.
She stood. Her guests followed suit. It was by this bon mot that she chose to have her dinner live in the gossip of San Marco. Hence with it she closed the ceremony.
"Witty woman, your wife," said one of the colorless New Yorkers to Mr. Bruce, when the men were left alone.
