"
Said the Colonel, "I will beg leave to enter a protest against the
imperfections of that repast which is supposed to be the peculiar
delight of the ladies, I allude to afternoon tea. I want to know
why it is that unless I happen to call just when the tea is brought
up--I grant, I know of a few houses which are honourable
exceptions--I am fated to drink that most abominable of all
decoctions, stewed lukewarm tea. 'Will you have some tea? I'm
afraid it isn't quite fresh,' the hostess will remark without a
blush. What would she think if her husband at dinner were to say,
'Colonel, take a glass of that champagne. It was opened the day
before yesterday, and I daresay the fizz has gone off a little'?
Tea is cheap enough, and yet the hostess seldom or never thinks of
ordering up a fresh pot. I believe it is because she is afraid of
the butler."
"I sympathise with you fully, Colonel," said Lady Considine, "and
my withers are unwrung. You do not often honour me with your
presence on Tuesdays, but I am sure I may claim to be one of your
honourable exceptions.
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