Commonplace Book

'It was luncheon time, and the foyer was crowded with people waiting for each other whilst they passed the time of day with some one else. There were many women with eager eyes and low heels. Dwight-Rankin said they were American. There were many women with good complexions and large feet. Dwight-Rankin said they were English. There was a young man who looked like a pretty girl, except that his hair was long. Dwight-Rankin said he was known as the Venus de Marlow and that his friends thought him too marvellous...'

from Farewell, These Charming People, a piece in May Fair by Michael Arlen