I do count on them—and I consider your intrusion here in the worst possible taste. I think you might have the decency to go!
Horace.
[Rising.] I tell you I'm here because this is the room which Wackerbath asked me to come to.
Pringle.
It won't do, you know! If it was, he'd be here to receive you—which he isn't.
[As he speaks Mr. Wackerbath bustles in from the door below the arch on the left. Horace goes forward to meet him, Pringle remaining by the fireplace in wrathful astonishment.
Mr. Wackerbath.
[Shaking hands effusively with Horace.] My dear Mr. Ventimore, I really don't know how to apologise, neither the wife nor myself down to receive you! I do hope you haven't been waiting long?
Horace.