MISS GODESBY.  And I’m glad to find you looking so well.  Black suits you!

[She exchanges a knowing glance with MISS SILLERTON.

MRS. HUNTER.  Oh, I don’t know, Julia; I’ve always thought black very trying for me.

MISS GODESBY.  Oh, no! every one’s saying just the reverse!

MRS. HUNTER.  But—­I suppose clothes don’t interest you, Mr. Trotter?

TROTTER.  Oh, yes, they do, out of sight!

CLARA.  Well, I wish you could have seen the beautiful things we brought over with us!

MISS SILLERTON.  Julia and I were just speaking about it, and pitying you from the bottom of our hearts.

[MISS SILLERTON and MISS GODESBY again exchange surreptitious glances.

MRS. HUNTER.  Every one’s been most kind.

[There is an awkward pause for a moment, no one knowing quite what to say.  Both MISS GODESBY and MISS SILLERTON have started the conversation in the direction of clothing and are fearful of the topic being changed.  As the pause becomes embarrassing, they look helplessly from one to the other, and all five, suddenly and at once, make an ineffectual effort to say something—­or nothing.  Out of the general confusion MRS. HUNTER comes to the front, mistress of the situation.] Are you going to stay in New York this winter, Mr. Trotter?

TROTTER.  Yes, I’m negotiating for one of the biggest classy building plots on upper Fifth Avenue.

CLARA. [To MISS GODESBY.] I saw in the papers you were at the dance last night.

[MISS GODESBY nods and motions surreptitiously to TROTTER to go.  He, however, doesn’t understand.

MRS. HUNTER. [With interest again in life.] Oh, were you? What did you wear?

MISS GODESBY.  Oh, dowdy old things.  I haven’t bought my winter frocks yet.

[She repeats this casually as if to herself.

[MISS SILLERTON motions to TROTTER to go, but he has forgotten and still doesn’t understand.

TROTTER.  What?

MISS GODESBY.  You warned us not to let you forget your engagement!

TROTTER.  What engagement?

MISS SILLERTON.  How do we know! we only know you said you had to go!

TROTTER.  Never said so!  Oh! [As it dawns upon him.] Oh, yes! of course. [He rises.] Very sorry—­must be off.  Only dropped in—­er—­that is, came in to express my respectful sympathy.

[Shaking hands with MRS. HUNTER.

MRS. HUNTER. [Who rises.] I hope you will come and see us again.

CLARA.  Do!  It’ll be a godsend!  We’ll be dull as ditchwater here this winter!

TROTTER.  I shall be delighted to call again.  Good-by. [He bows to Clara.  In his embarrassment he starts to shake hands all over again, but, realizing his mistake, laughs nervously.] Oh, I have already.