They walked past the Gallery, and made their way through the complicated streets that lie behind the Strand, about Covent Garden, towards Bloomsbury. They did not speak for some time, for they were tired and their minds were too full of other things. Once indeed, Gilbert began to speak ... "I think I could improve the second act a little ..." but he did not finish his sentence, and Henry did not ask him to do so. It was not until they were nearly at their home that Henry spoke to Gilbert about Cecily.
"Are you going to Lady Cecily's to-morrow?" he said.
"Eh?" Gilbert exclaimed, starting out of his dreams. "Oh, no, I think not! Why?"
"I only wondered. She asked you, you know!"
They walked on in silence until they reached the door of their house.
"I say, Quinny," said Gilbert, while Henry opened the door, "you seem to be very friendly with Cecily!"
Henry fumbled with the key and muttered, "Damn this door, it won't open!"
"Let me try!..."
"It's all right now. I've done it! What were you saying, Gilbert?"
They entered the house, shutting the door behind them, and stood for a while in the hall, removing their hats and coats.