Isabel. By the way, that reminds me that Marian left me a list of the people who are arriving this afternoon. My novel is so absorbing that I forgot to look at it. Where can it be? Ah, here--Let me see: the Jack Merringtons, Adelaide Clinton, Ned Lender--all from New York, by seven P.M. train. Lewis Darley to-night, by Fall River boat. John Oberville, from Boston at five P.M. Why, I didn't know--
Warland (excitedly). John Oberville? John Oberville? Here? To-day at five o'clock? Let me see--let me look at the list. Are you sure you're not mistaken? Why, she never said a word! Why the deuce didn't you tell me?
Isabel. I didn't know.
Warland. Oberville--Oberville--!
Isabel. Why, what difference does it make?
Warland. What difference? What difference? Don't look at me as if you didn't understand English! Why, if Oberville's coming--(a pause) Look here, Isabel, didn't you know him very well at one time?
Isabel. Very well--yes.
Warland. I thought so--of course--I remember now; I heard all about it before I met you. Let me see--didn't you and your mother spend a winter in Washington when he was Under-secretary of State?
Isabel. That was before the deluge.
Warland. I remember--it all comes back to me. I used to hear it said that he admired you tremendously; there was a report that you were engaged. Don't you remember? Why, it was in all the papers. By Jove, Isabel, what a match that would have been!
Isabel. You are disinterested!
Warland. Well, I can't help thinking--
Isabel. That I paid you a handsome compliment?
Warland (preoccupied). Eh?--Ah, yes--exactly. What was I saying? Oh-- about the report of your engagement. (Playfully.) He was awfully gone on you, wasn't he?
Isabel. It's not for me to diminish your triumph.
Warland. By Jove, I can't think why Mrs. Raynor didn't tell me he was coming. A man like that--one doesn't take him for granted, like the piano- tuner! I wonder I didn't see it in the papers.
Isabel. Is he grown such a great man?
Warland. Oberville? Great? John Oberville? I'll tell you what he is--the power behind the throne, the black Pope, the King-maker and all the rest of it. Don't you read the papers? Of course I'll never get on if you won't interest yourself in politics. And to think you might have married that man!
Isabel. And got you your secretaryship!
