[_Suddenly realising PRINGLE'S presence; to MR. WACKERBATH._] But, Samuel, aren't you forgetting to introduce your other guest? HORACE. [_To himself foreseeing trouble._] Good Lord! [_He goes up round the table to the glazed balcony._ MR. WACKERBATH. [_Surprised, to MRS. WACKERBATH._] My _other_----? I was not aware----[_He turns and sees PRINGLE, and advances to him._] You must excuse me, sir, but I didn't see you before. I--ah--haven't the pleasure of knowing your name--at present. PRINGLE. [_Coming forward._] My name is Pringle. _Yours_--[_meaningly_]--is quite well known to me, Mr. Wackerbath. MR. WACKERBATH. [_Gratified, but not surprised._] Ha! Very good of you to say so. And I needn't tell you that any friend of Mr. Ventimore's---- PRINGLE. [_Tartly._] I am not here in that capacity, sir. I am here because I also am expecting friends to dine with me. And I was certainly given to understand that this room had been reserved for my _own_ party. MRS. WACKERBATH. [_In some distress._] Oh, dear! I _am_ so sorry. I'm afraid _I'm_ to blame. I asked the manager for this room--he told me it was engaged, but he would arrange for you to have the "Patience" Room instead. PRINGLE. I can only assure you that this is the first _I've_ heard of it, or else---- MRS. WACKERBATH. [_Rising._] I _quite_ thought it would be explained to you, and I do so _hope_ the change hasn't put you to any great inconvenience? PRINGLE. [_Sourly._] I'm afraid, Mrs. Wackerbath, it has put my guests to considerable inconvenience, as they have presumably been shown into the "Patience" Room, and been waiting there for nearly half an hour--if they haven't already left! So--[_making a movement towards the arch_]--if you will kindly permit me---- HORACE. [_Coming down, and intercepting him; in an under>tone._] You won't find them there, Pringle. They haven't come. They _won't_ come now, I assure you. PROFESSOR'S VOICE. [_On left, outside door above arch._] This must be the room, Sophia--I observe "Pinafore" on the door. PRINGLE. [_In a triumphant undertone to HORACE, who is completely staggered._] There! Who's right _now_? I _knew_ they wouldn't forget! [_He advances to the end of the sofa by fireplace to receive the FUTVOYES, while HORACE effaces himself so far as possible in the corner behind the flower-stand._ HORACE. [_To himself in despair._] That old _fool_ of a Fakrash! He's muffed it again! [_The FUTVOYES enter; MRS. FUTVOYE first, then SYLVIA, and the PROFESSOR bringing up the rear._ PRINGLE. [_Cheerily, to MRS. FUTVOYE._] Aha!