Pringle.
[Solemnly.] I assure you it's the fact. I've been away constantly for the last two months, superintending work I'm doing in various parts of the country. [With importance.] Hardly a moment to call my own!
[Sylvia turns with the intention of sitting down; he places a chair for her.
Professor Futvoye.
[Taking chair behind table.] A busy man like you, my dear Pringle, has no need to make excuses.
Pringle.
[Fetching a chair for himself.] I really have been fearfully overworked. Not that I complain of that! [As he sits down between the Professor and Sylvia.] I'd no idea we should meet here, though. Is Ventimore a friend of yours?
Professor Futvoye.
Oh, we know him, yes. As you do, it seems.
Pringle.