_It is a small room, panelled in dark oak. On the left is an old mantelpiece in white and yellow marble. Beyond the fireplace is a door communicating with PRINGLE'S _office. On the right is a recessed window, through which the top of an old grey wall with chevaux-de-frise and foliage above can be seen. At the back, on the right, is a door leading to the staircase. On the left of this door, an architect's cabinet, with narrow drawers for plans, &c. On the walls are plans and architectural drawings, a T-square or two, an office calendar, and sections of mouldings, sundry cards of tiling, ornamental fittings, &c., sent out by firms as advertisements to architects. On the right, by the window, is an architect's drawing-table, with a sheet of drawing-paper, tracing-paper, saucers of colour, and other usual requisites of an architect._ _The time is 11.30 on the morning after the preceding acts._ _As the curtain rises, the Westminster Clock-tower chimes the half-hour._ HORACE is drawing at the table on right._ HORACE. [_To himself, looking at watch._] Half-past eleven already!--and I haven't heard from _either_ of them yet! [_With some anxiety._] Very odd! Can anything have----? [_There is a knock at the door on the left. HORACE turns with a slight start as PRINGLE enters._] Oh, it's you, Pringle! [_After a pause._] None the worse after last night, I hope? PRINGLE. [_Very solemnly._] I am feeling no ill-effects at _present_. [_Coming to centre of room._] Can I have a few words with you? HORACE. [_Going on designing._] Well, only a _very_ few. We may be interrupted at any moment. I've appointments with _two_ people this morning. Looks as if they'd _both_ overslept themselves. PRINGLE. [_Gravely, as he plants himself with his back to the fireplace._] I shall not detain you long. I merely wish to explain my position. When I accepted your invitation last night, I did so with the loyal intention of resigning myself, as cheerfully as possible, to your engagement to Miss Futvoye---- HORACE.