[_Somewhat mollified._] Hardly, I should have thought, to _this_ extent. However, in the circumstances, I consent to remain.
[_In an undertone to HORACE._] I thought it was all over with us!
[_In the same to her._] So did I! But I _think_ I'm out of the cart this time.
[_He goes up towards the left, talking to her._
[_Crossing to the PROFESSOR; in an undertone._] _So_ glad you decided to stay, Professor. I was really half afraid you'd go--as a protest against all this ostentation.
[_MRS. FUTVOYE is admiring the workmanship of the hangings._
[_In an undertone to PRINGLE._] I should have done so, Pringle, I should have _done_ so--but for the inconvenience of dining elsewhere at this hour. [_Aloud, to HORACE._] Ventimore! _[PRINGLE joins MRS. FUTVOYE._] I don't know if _you_ are getting hungry,--but I own _I_ am. Will it be long before they announce dinner?
[_Turning, with a start._] Dinner? Oh, I _hope_ not--I mean, I _think_ not.
I see no table is laid here. [_Acidly._] But probably you have an equally spacious dining-hall adjoining this?
Yes. That is,--_probably_, you know. I mean, it's quite _possible_.
[_The curtains of the arch on left of centre arch are drawn._
Do you mean to tell me you haven't settled yet where we _are_ to dine?
[_At a loss for an instant, then he suddenly sees the slaves enter from the arch on left, bearing a low round table, which they place in the centre of the hall._] Oh, we dine _here_, of course!--here. I--I leave it to these fellows.
[_Four of the slaves fetch cushions and arrange them as seats around the table, the CHIEF SLAVE directing them._
I say, Ventimore, what an odd idea of yours, having all these black footmen! Don't you find them a nuisance at times?
Oh, they--they've only come in for the evening. You see--they're--er--quieter than the ordinary hired waiter--and--and they don't blow on the top of your head.
[_In an undertone, nervously._] Horace! I don't like them! They're so creepy-crawly, somehow!
[_Suppressing his own antipathy._] After all, darling, we--we mustn't forget that they're men and brothers. [_To the others, as the CHIEF SLAVE advances to him and makes elaborate gesticulations._] I think what he means is that dinner is served. Shall we sit down?