[_SYLVIA has moved to the window; MRS. FUTVOYE stands by the table._
[_Placing his hat and stick on a small shelf on the left of fireplace, and standing by table._] I'm aware of that, ma'am. We happen to be the company Mr. Ventimore is expecting. Don't let us keep you from your cooking.
[_With another burst of confidence._] Well, sir, to tell you the truth, I '_ave_ a good deal on my 'ands just now.
[_After moving about and inspecting the pictures._] I rather like Horace's rooms.
[_Irritably._] I wish he'd manage to be _in_ 'em! I fully expected he'd be back by this time. _Most_ annoying!
[_Resignedly._] I _thought_ you were bringing us all this way for nothing! And when you must be quite exhausted enough as it is, after lecturing all the afternoon!
I'm not in the least exhausted, Sophia; not in the least!
Well, Anthony, if _you're_ not, Sylvia and I are! [_She sits in armchair by the window._] But _why_ you couldn't wait till eight o'clock to know how Horace got on at that sale I _can't_ think!
He ought to have been back _long_ ago! I can see _no_ excuse for his dawdling like this. None whatever!
[_Standing behind table._] Perhaps he went back to his office?
[_Tartly._] He's much more likely to have dropped into his club for a rubber of Bridge!
Don't you think you're rather ungrateful to grumble at poor Horace like this, after he's given up a whole day's work to oblige you?
I was not aware, my dear, that he has, or ever had, a day's work to give up! Correct me if I am wrong--but I am under the impression that nobody has employed him as an architect _yet_.
Possibly--but it doesn't make him more desirable as a future son-in-law.
Horace is sure to succeed as soon as he gets a chance. [_Sitting on table and leaning over the PROFESSOR._] If you would only say a word for him to Godfather, he might be able to help him.
Wackerbath? No, my dear, I couldn't bring myself to take such an advantage of our old friendship as _that_! I've no belief in Ventimore's succeeding in life. He _may_ have ability--though I'm bound to say I see little _evidence_ of it--but, depend upon it, he'll never make any money!
Because he can't even take care of the little he has! Look at the money he's throwing away on this totally unnecessary dinner to-night!