[With implied rebuke.] No, I've only just come round—as you weren't at the office,—to——

Horace.

I've been engaged all day. Oh, by the bye, do you know Professor and Mrs.——

[Is about to introduce him.

Pringle.

[Stiffly.] I am happy to say, my dear fellow, that I require no introduction. We are old friends.

Professor Futvoye.

[Impatiently.] To come to the point, Ventimore, as we are rather pressed for time—about the sale? How did you get on, eh?

Horace.

Oh, ah—the sale. [Producing catalogue from pocket.] Well, I did exactly as you told me.