[Unpleasantly.] No, you were so much engaged. [In a tone of injury.] And I must say I little expected when I last saw you at Cottesmore Gardens—scarcely seven hours ago——!

Sylvia.

[Smiling, but surprised.] Seven hours! It is more like seven weeks!

Pringle.

[Beaming fatuously.] Charming of you to put it in that way! I was almost beginning to fear that you had forgotten—[with meaning]—our last meeting.

Sylvia.

[Innocently.] In Vincent Square yesterday afternoon? Of course not. I meant since you had been to see us. And that's ages ago!

Pringle.

[Blankly.] Ages ago!

Sylvia.