"If he knows—which, no doubt, he does by this time."
"Why by this time?"
"Because he left the country a year ago."
"Why did he leave the country?"
"To better his fortune, I expect. But would you mind giving me another cup of tea? The year I spent on the other side the water made me an inveterate tea-drinker."
"I'll not only give you another cup of tea, I'll give you the entire tea-service if you'll promise to go with us on the Skylark."
"How generous you are!"
"Generosity is my besetting sin as a matter of fact. But say you'll promise."
"Oh, you must give me time to think the matter over. I can't decide in a moment."
"Why not? You've no one to consult but yourself."