“Yes, sir,” said Mr. Ferdinand, casting a glance of outraged prudery upon Mr. Sagittarius, who was attired in his usual morning costume, including spats.
“What’s the matter, Mr. Ferdinand?” asked the Prophet, following that functionary’s eyes. “Ha! He’s not dressed!”
“No, sir!”
“Mr. Sagittarius,” cried the Prophet, “you’re not dressed!”
“Sir,” cried that gentleman, “do you dare to accuse me of impropriety in a frock coat?”
“No, no. But for dinner. You can’t possibly dine like that!”
“I have dined like this, sir, for the last twenty years. The architects and their wives—”
“I daresay. But unluckily there will be no architects and their wives at dinner to-night. Please stand up.”
“Sir?”
“Kindly stand up. Mr. Ferdinand!”