_
TROTTER. What?
MISS GODESBY. You warned us not to let you forget your engagement!
TROTTER. What engagement?
MISS SILLERTON. How do we know! we only know you said you _had_ to go!
TROTTER. Never said so! Oh! [_As it dawns upon him._] Oh, yes! of
course. [_He rises._] Very sorry--must be off. Only dropped in--er--that
is, came in to express my respectful sympathy.
[_Shaking hands with_ MRS. HUNTER.
MRS. HUNTER. [_Who rises._] I hope you will come and see us again.
CLARA. Do! It'll be a godsend! We'll be dull as ditchwater here this
winter!
TROTTER. I shall be delighted to call again. Good-by. [_He bows to
Clara. In his embarrassment he starts to shake hands all over again,
but, realizing his mistake, laughs nervously._] Oh, I have already.
MISS SILLERTON. Good-by, Trotter.
MISS GODESBY. Don't forget we're booked with you at Sherry's.
TROTTER. Whose treat?
MISS GODESBY. Oh! _Yours_, of course--
TROTTER. I say, why can't I stay? I won't interfere.
MRS. HUNTER. Oh, do stay, Mr. Trotter!
MISS GODESBY. Oh, do stay!
[_Suggesting by her tone that he mustn't dare to remain._
CLARA. Good!
[TROTTER _remains, and they all settle themselves again for a long
stay._
MRS. HUNTER. By the way, you were speaking just now of your winter
frocks.
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