[Going on designing.] Well, only a very few. We may be interrupted at any moment. I've appointments with two people this morning. Looks as if they'd both overslept themselves.

Pringle.

[Gravely, as he plants himself with his back to the fireplace.] I shall not detain you long. I merely wish to explain my position. When I accepted your invitation last night, I did so with the loyal intention of resigning myself, as cheerfully as possible, to your engagement to Miss Futvoye——

Horace.

[Wheeling his chair round so as to face him.] Instead of which you put a spoke in my wheel whenever you got the chance! Not behaving quite decently, was it?

Pringle.

[Stiffly.] After last night, I cannot consider you as an authority on decency.

Horace.

Don't rub it in, Pringle!

Pringle.