That's just why they're not likely to forget it. [_Going to fireplace, and standing with his back to it._] They may be here at any moment!
They _may_--but, if I were you, I shouldn't count on them.
I _do_ count on them--and I consider your intrusion here in the worst possible taste. I think you might have the decency to go!
[_Rising._] I tell you I'm here because this is the room which Wackerbath asked me to come to.
It won't _do_, you know! If it was, he'd be here to receive you--which he isn't.
[_As he speaks MR. WACKERBATH bustles in from the door below the arch on the left. HORACE goes forward to meet him, PRINGLE remaining by the fireplace in wrathful astonishment._
[_Shaking hands effusively with HORACE._] My _dear_ Mr. Ventimore, I really don't know _how_ to apologise, neither the wife nor myself down to receive you! I do hope you haven't been waiting long?
We have a private room, you see--the wife prefers it to the--ah--publicity of the restaurant. [_The FIRST and SECOND WAITERS enter from the door on the left above the arch._] If you'll excuse me for a moment, I'll just see how they've arranged the table. [_He bustles up to the table._] Why, hullo! What's _this_? Only four places! I ordered dinner for _six_!
I regret--but it is not my fault. I lay for six, and a gentleman assure me I am wrong, it is for four person only.
Don't _talk_ about it--put it right at once. I want a chair in here--and another here.
[_He remains by the table, while the WAITERS replace chairs and bring back plates, glasses, &c._
[_To HORACE._] Ventimore! [_HORACE crosses to fireplace._] Will you kindly explain to your host that that's _my_ dinner-table he's taking these liberties with?
I know nothing about it. You had better settle that with him yourself.
[_He stands, nursing his grievance, as MR. WACKERBATH comes down to HORACE._
[_To HORACE._] Those fellows seem to have mistaken their orders. Lucky I noticed it in time! [_MRS. WACKERBATH enters from the door below arch._] Ah, here _is_ my wife! Eliza, my dear--[_presenting HORACE_]--our friend, Mr. Ventimore.
[_To HORACE, cordially, but with a nervous, fluttered manner._] Oh, how do you _do_? I _am_ so pleased to meet you! I've been hearing so _much_ about you from my husband. [_She goes to sofa on the left, and sits._] It will be _so_ delightful to have a home at last that is _really_ fit to live in!