Smith. By telling me where the lovers met, when they became engaged--and how it all happened.
Phyllis. But you came with Colonel Smith's card and words of recommendation written upon it by his failing hand. Didn't he tell you?
Smith. Well, you see, he was one of those great-hearted men who never speak about themselves. And towards the end, when he might have spoken, he was singularly comatose.
Phyllis. (Sympathetically) Poor fellow!
Smith. Oh, it's dreadful--dreadful! I suppose your sister was very devoted to him?
Phyllis. She adored him!!
Smith. Yes. That's the part I understand best.
Phyllis. But Celia's engagement meant more to her than it would to most women.
Smith. (Recoils slightly) Why?
Phyllis. It had somehow got into everybody's head that Celia didn't--(Looks around room)--attract people. Poor old Celia. (Smith turns uneasily in chair.) Of course, her engagement altered the whole position.