"Then we don't excuse it," said he.

I took out my watch. I was not finding much entertainment.

"Surely it's quite early, old man?" said Hilary.

"It's nearly eleven. We've spent half-an-hour on the thing,"
said I peevishly, holding out my hand to my hostess.

"Oh, are you going? Good night, Mr. Carter."

I turned to Miss Phyllis.

"I hope you won't think all love affairs are like that," I said;
but I saw her lips begin to shape into "lovely," and I hastily
left the room.

Hilary came to help me on with my coat. He looked extremely
apologetic, and very much ashamed of himself.

"Awfully sorry, old chap," said he, "that we bored you with our
reminiscences. I know, of course, that they can't be very
interesting to other people. Women are so confoundedly
romantic."

"Don't try that on me," said I, much disgusted. "You were just
as bad yourself."

He laughed, as he leant against the door.