'Perhaps you were talking about your lovers, Lady Castlerich,' said the Major.
'I'm sure I couldn't have been, for the fact is I don't remember.'
'I really must be going,' said Harding; 'goodbye, Mrs. Lahens. And now, Major, come with me and we'll talk about the typing of the novel.'
'Later on, Harding, later on, I've to speak about my daughter. There's so much she doesn't understand. You know, Lady Castlerich, she has been very strictly brought up.'
'How very strange. I must really be going. Good-bye, Major, charmin' afternoon, I'm sure.'
'I hope,' he said, turning to Lilian, 'that I can congratulate you on your engagement?'
'My engagement. With whom…. Mr. St. Clare? What makes you think that? We are not engaged; we're merely friends.'
'It was given out that you were engaged. Mr. Harding said it was physically impossible for you to see more than you did of each other.'
'My dear Major,' said Harding, 'you're mistaken; I never said such a thing, I assure you—'
'Physically impossible,' giggled Lady Castlerich. 'That's good. But won't you see me to my carriage, Mr. Harding. Did you say physically impossible?'