[He goes out, Horace closing the door after him. Waltz music from restaurant on right. After he has gone, Mr. Wackerbath and the others turn from the river as the Second Waiter enters and places a slice of melon on each plate.
Mr. Wackerbath.
Oh, ready, eh? [The First Waiter enters and intimates that dinner is served.] Then shall we sit down, Mrs. Futvoye? [He goes to the chair at the top of the table with his back to the balcony, and places Mrs. Futvoye on his right.] Professor—[as Mrs. Wackerbath takes the chair at the bottom of the table, facing the river]—on my wife's left, please. Sylvia, my dear, next to me. [Sylvia takes the chair on Mr. Wackerbath's left; Horace still standing.] And you, Mr. Ventimore——[Observing that there are two places.] Stay, there's something wrong. Oh, of course! [To the First Waiter.] Take away that chair, it won't be wanted now—the other gentleman has gone.
First Waiter.
Gone! De gentleman vat give so moch trouble? He vill not come back?
Mr. Wackerbath.
Come back? [To Horace.] You don't think your friend is likely to do that, eh, Mr. Ventimore?
Sylvia.
Oh, I hope not!
[The others assent fervently.