Cynthia. I do, I do! [Both laugh. The door opens and Nogam comes in, unnoticed by either.] But what was it started me laughing? [Laughing, she sits down and laughs again.] That morning. Wasn't it somebody we met? [Laughing afresh.] Wasn't it a man on a horse? [As her memory pieces the picture, she again goes off into laughter.

John. [Laughing too.] Of course! You didn't know him in those days! But I did! And he looked a sight in the saddle!

[Nogam, trying to catch their attention, moves toward the table.

Cynthia. Who was it?

John. Phillimore!

Cynthia. He's no laughing matter now. [Seeing Nogam.] Jack, he's here!

John. Eh? Oh, Nogam?

Nogam. Mr. Phillimore, sir—

John. In the house?

Nogam. On the street in a hansom, sir—and he requests Mrs. Karslake