Punch, or the London Charivari, page 9 by Various Authors
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Lord Strath. (to SEAKALE offering Hock.) If you please. (To himself, after tasting.) Why, it's quite decent! I begin to feel up to having this out with MARJORY. (Aloud.) Miss SEATON, isn't it rather ridiculous for two such old friends as we are to sit through dinner in deadly silence? Can't you bring yourself to talk to me? we shan't be overheard. You might tell me why you think me such a ruffian--it would start us, at any rate!
Miss Seaton. I don't want to be started--and if you really don't know why I hate your coming here in this way, Lord STRATHSPORRAN, it's useless to explain!
Lord Strath. Oh, we got as far as that upstairs, didn't we? And I may be very dense, but for the life of me I can't see yet why I shouldn't have come! Of course, I didn't know I was in for this exactly, but, to tell you the truth, I'm by way of being here on business, and I didn't care much whether they were cheery or not, so long as I got what I came for, don't you know!
Miss Seaton. Of course, that is the main thing in your eyes--but I didn't think you would confess it!
Lord Strath. Why, you know how keen I used to be about my Egyptian work--you remember the book on Hieroglyphs I always meant to write? I'm getting on with it, though of course my time's a good deal taken up just now. And, whether I get anything out of these people or not, I've met you again, MARJORY--I don't mind anything else!
Miss Seaton. Don't remind me of--of what you used to be, and--and you are not to call me MARJORY any more. We have met--and I only hope and pray we may never meet again. Please don't talk any more!
Lord Strath. (to himself.) That's a facer! I wonder if MARJORY'S quite--is this the effect of that infernal influenza?
Mrs. Tid. (to him in an under-tone). You and Miss SEATON appear to be on very familiar terms. I rea