Professor Futvoye.

[Graciously.] Glad to see you, Pringle! You are quite a stranger. Indeed, my daughter was remarking, only a little while ago, that you hadn't been near us for weeks!

Sylvia.

[In an indignant undertone.] Father!

[Mrs. Futvoye sits down again.

Pringle.

[To Sylvia, flattered.] Delighted to think I've been missed! But my apparent—er—neglect has been quite unavoidable.

Sylvia.

[Laughing.] So kind of you to relieve our minds, Mr. Pringle!