[Horace shakes hands warmly with her.

Professor Futvoye.

[Approaching as Mr. Wackerbath turns to his wife and Mrs. Futvoye, to Horace not over cordially, but without asperity.] How are you, Ventimore? Curious we should meet like this! We were talking about you on our way here—that little dinner of yours, you know.

Horace.

[With reviving anxiety.] That—little dinner, Professor?

Sylvia.

Yes, Horace, we couldn't remember which night it is we're dining with you—is it to-morrow, or the night after?

Horace.

[Relieved again.] Oh, it's to-morrow—to-morrow!

[Pringle has heard all this with a contempt and disgust that are indicated by his expression.