Isabel. Why, what difference does it make?
Warland. What difference? What difference? Don’t look at me as if you didn’t understand English! Why, if Oberville’s coming—(a pause) Look here, Isabel, didn’t you know him very well at one time?
Isabel. Very well—yes.
Warland. I thought so—of course—I remember now; I heard all about it before I met you. Let me see—didn’t you and your mother spend a winter in Washington when he was Under-secretary of State?
Isabel. That was before the deluge.
Warland. I remember—it all comes back to me. I used to hear it said that he admired you tremendously; there was a report that you were engaged. Don’t you remember? Why, it was in all the papers. By Jove, Isabel, what a match that would have been!
Isabel. You are disinterested!
Warland. Well, I can’t help thinking—
Isabel. That I paid you a handsome compliment?
Warland (preoccupied). Eh?—Ah, yes—exactly. What was I saying? Oh—about the report of your engagement. (Playfully.) He was awfully gone on you, wasn’t he?