"How much do you weigh? You are monstrously heavy for your size."
"I am very sorry. I am quite ashamed—only just twelve stone, I do assure you—I am really——"
"My dear man, never mind. If Mr. Pettingham will keep the room so dark we must all expect to be sat on. Where have you been all this long time? I haven't seen you anywhere for the last three days."
"I have been at Mitching Dean."
"What, at this time of year?"
"I have not been at all well."
"Gout? Carlsbad would do you more good than Mitching Dean."
"It was not the gout; it was more painful than that," Mr. Rodney hissed, with genuine emotion. "Is Mrs. Verulam here to-night?"
"Yes, in pale green—charming little creature!"
Mr. Rodney thrilled.