Barlow.

[Bubbling over with delight.] Oh, you mustn’t listen to all you hear. A man who goes out as much as I do is sure to get talked about. Our world is so small and so censorious.

Mrs. Fergusson.

Dr. O’Farrell has been writing a prescription for me. I haven’t been very well lately.

Barlow.

Oh, I’m very sorry to hear that. You look the picture of health and extremely handsome.

Mrs. Fergusson.

Oh, you horrid cruel thing! I wanted you to sympathise with me and tell me how ill I looked.

Barlow.

If you will allow me to call on you I can promise to sympathise with you, but I’m afraid I shall never be able to tell you that you look anything but charming.