Mrs. Posket--Miss Verrinder--ahem--we----
Captain Vale and I fear that we have been betrayed, in a moment of----
Natural irritation, into the atrocious impropriety of differing----
Vale. [_They grasp hands._] Mrs. Posket, I am now going out to hail a cab.
Miss Verrinder, the process will occupy five minutes.
[_Giving his hat to LUKYN._] Lukyn, I return your kindness--my hat.
[_LUKYN puts on VALE'S hat, which is much too small for him. As he is going out there is a knock at the door; he opens it; BLOND is outside._
Colonel, it is ten minutes past the time of closing, may I ask you to dismiss your party?
Yes, you are free to go home, Colonel. I shall get into trouble.
[_To AGATHA POSKET._] I'll have the first word. Really, Captain Vale, I'm surprised at you.
There was a happy time, Miss Verrinder, when I might have been surprised at you.
A few hours ago it was--"By Jove, all is over." Now I find you with a bosom friend enjoying devilled oysters.
I beg your pardon, I find you enjoying devilled oysters.
Horace Vale, you forget you have forfeited the right to exercise any control over my diet.
One would think I had broken off our engagement.
If you have not, who has? I have your letter saying all is over between us. [_Putting her handkerchief to her eyes._] That letter will be stamped tomorrow at Somerset House. I know how to protect myself.
Charlotte, can you explain your conduct with Gordon Bristow?
I could if I chose; a young lady can explain anything.
But he is showing your gift to our fellows all over the place.
It was a debt of honour. He laid me a box of gloves to a pair of slippers about "Forked Lightning" for the Regimental Cup, and "Forked Lightning" went tender at the heel. I couldn't come to you with debts hanging over me. [_Crying._] I'm too conscientious.
That must be a question of time. [_She lays her head on his shoulder and then removes it._] How damp you are. [_She puts her handkerchief upon his shoulder, and replaces her head. She moves his arm gradually up and arranges it round her shoulder._] If you went on anyhow every time I discharged an obligation, we should be most unhappy.
I promise you I won't mention Bristow's slippers again. By Jove, I won't--there.
Very well, then, if you do that I'll give you my word I won't pay any more debts before our marriage.