No More Learning

Table split lengthways by bank of flowers.

MRS. HERRIOTT. (After conversation has risen to proper pitch. ) Ah!
'Didn't see you in the crush in the drawing-room. (Sotto voce. ) Where
have you been all this while, Pip?

CAPTAIN GADSBY. (Turning from regularly ordained dinner partner and
settling hock glasses. ) Good evening. (Sotto voce. ) Not quite so loud
another time. You've no notion how your voice carries. (Aside.
) So much
for shirking the written explanation. It'll have to be a verbal one now.
Sweet prospect! How on earth am I to tell her that I am a respectable,
engaged member of society and it's all over between us?

MRS. H. I've a heavy score against you. Where were you at the Monday
Pop? Where were you on Tuesday? Where were you at the Lamonts' tennis? I
was looking everywhere.

Capt. G. For me! Oh, I was alive somewhere, I suppose. (Aside.