“It sounds delightful,” Hilary said.
“It would be all it sounds.”
“Yes, I daresay,” Hilary said. “But would it?”
“Perhaps you are not an optimist, Mr. Kingsborough? However, there it is. Meanwhile could you let me know the right time?”
“Two minutes to eight.”
“Is your time correct?”
“Correct by the noon gun.”
“Two minutes to eight. I must be slow. I make it no more than three and a half minutes to eight.” He busied himself with his watch.
Margaret from the kitchen gave a call of “Oh, Hilary!” Hilary opened the door and called back:
“Do you want me, Margarita?”