Minnie [impetuously]. I've lost my key! Now isn't that aggravating! To think anything so perfectly absurd should——
Herbert. The others haven't yet arrived apparently. Possibly we might——
Minnie [with surprise]. Oh, I wouldn't have you wait for the world! It must be one o'clock! [She glances up at a window of the second floor.] No, evidently, they haven't come. There's no light. Of course Hilda would wait. Well, we'll ring and arouse the landlady; that's all.
Herbert [solicitously]. Please don't think it would annoy me to wait for your room-mate and her friend—here on the porch. It wouldn't in the least, I assure you. Besides, it always puts one out to be awakened late at night, and I dare say your landlady isn't a young person.
Minnie [smiling]. It's very good of you. She isn't young; she's quite old. Quite as old, I think, as my mother. Still I could ring, you know.
Herbert. Oh, don't, please don't; that is, don't on my account. This isn't late for me. I often study till two. Besides, to-morrow will be Sunday, and one isn't required to be about so early on Sunday.
Minnie [still smiling]. I think it would be a trifle more accurate if you had said, "This is Sunday." I am positive it is after midnight. Have you a watch?
Herbert. I am exceedingly sorry, but—but I didn't wear my watch to-day; being around the water, I thought—I thought, I might lose——
Minnie. Yes, one does have to be careful around the water. I've lost my key, I know!
Herbert. I can't tell you how sorry I am.