Herbert. I recall having read once—in some French book if I remember rightly—that one should never count upon an affianced couple being in a given place at a given time.
Minnie [smiling at him]. I'm not sure that isn't true. Still, Hilda is usually quite discreet, and I can't——
Herbert. Doubtless they'll be here in a moment; I shouldn't worry.
Minnie [suddenly]. Why, how very impolite of me. To allow you to sit there all this time holding that basket. Won't you set it on the porch? [Herbert has held the basket on his knees with his hands spread out over the cover.]
Herbert. Oh—ah—I wasn't thinking of—there, I guess that will be safe. [He sets the basket on the porch at his side.]
Minnie [leaning forward and gazing past him toward the street]. I wish they'd come! Wasn't it perfectly absurd of me to lose my key? Keeping you here! Are you quite sure you'd just as lief?
Herbert. Yes, indeed—really—I like to sit out—really, it doesn't matter, not in the least.
Minnie. Well while we are waiting we might as well go on where we left off. You were saying, on the way up from the livery—— [Hardly for a moment has Herbert taken his eyes off the girl at his side.]
Herbert [floundering]. Oh, yes, as I was saying—the—oh—ah—I was say—what was I saying, Miss——
Minnie. Have you forgotten so soon? I'm afraid the subject couldn't have held all your thought. You were telling me about the triliums.