"What makes you think so?"
"I'm merely supposing it because you are sitting here so quietly. She told you she would read her part to her, as the time is so short, didn't she?"
"Yes; have you seen her to-night?"
"No! On my word of honour, I haven't! Only I can't think of anything else which would prevent her from spending a free evening with you."
"You guessed correctly. She urged me to go out and spend the evening with friends; she thinks I'm too much at home. The dear girl! She has such a tender and loving little heart."
"Yes, very tender!"
"I only once waited for her in vain; her aunt had kept her till late and forgotten to send me word. I thought I was going mad and couldn't sleep all night."
"You are referring to the evening of the sixth of July, I suppose?"
"You startle me! Are you watching us?"
"Why should I? I know of your engagement and aid you in every way I can. And why shouldn't I know that it was Tuesday the sixth of July? You've told me about it more than once."