Cynthia. Did you—did you meet the—the—former—?

Philip. No.

Cynthia. I often see her at afternoon teas.

Philip. How did you recognize—

Cynthia. Why— [Opening the paper.] because Mrs. Vida Phillimore's picture appears in every other issue of most of the evening papers. And I must confess I was curious. But, I'm sure you find it very painful to meet her again.

Philip. [Slowly, considering.] No,—would you find it so impossible to meet Mr.—

Cynthia. [Much excited and aroused.] Philip! Don't speak of him. He's nothing. He's a thing of the past. I never think of him. I forget him!

Philip. [Somewhat sarcastic.] That's extraordinarily original of you to forget him.

Cynthia. [Gently, and wishing to drop the subject.] We each of us have something to forget, Philip—and John Karslake is to me—Well, he's dead!

Philip. As a matter of fact, my dear, he is dead, or the next thing to it—for he's bankrupt.