[At the chair on the left of the smoking-table, dryly.] Bertram has been telling me how busy he has been, Sir Randle——
Sir Randle.
[Not perceiving the general air of restraint.] That reminds me—[moving, full of importance, to the settee on the right—feeling in his breast-pocket] the announcement of the engagement, Philip—[seating himself and producing a pocket-book] Lady Filson and I drew it up this morning. [Hunting among some letters and papers.] I believe it is in the conventional form; but we so thoroughly sympathize with you and Ottoline in your dislike for anything that savours of pomp and flourish that we hesitate, without your sanction, to—[selecting a paper and handing it to Philip] ah! [To Roope, who has returned to the fireplace—over his shoulder.] I am treating you as one of ourselves, Mr. Roope——
Roope.
[In a murmur.] Dear excellent friend——!
Sir Randle.
[To Philip.] We propose to insert it only in the three or four principal journals——
Philip.
[Frowning at the paper.] Sir Randle——
Sir Randle.