"Dear me!" echoed Vanbrugh.
"Yes, it is later than I thought," said Mr. Brown.
By a common impulse, all three rose at once and crossed the room to take leave of their hostess.
"What, are you all going?" asked the latter.
"Do you know what time it is, Marion?" And not waiting for an answer, Mrs. Willoughby held out her hand.
"It is awfully late," observed Vanbrugh, by way of explanation.
"Thank you so much," said Mr. Brown, shaking hands warmly.
"Yes, it is later than I thought." Brett looked at his watch, though by this time he had made up his mind to outstay the others.
"Well—if you must go—"
Marion did not show any anxiety to detain her guests as they filed out of the room.