That’s not the village band, sir. That’s the Royal Blue Orchestra.
Cost me £150 to have them down. Special train from London, and I don’t know what all.
Shut up, pater. You needn’t tell every one how much you paid for things.
Oh--only my most intimate friends--about....
By George, that’s cheerful. D’you want me to shake hands with them all?
They’re the very best people in the county, sir. _Crème de la crème._
_A servant enters to announce_ MR. _and_ MRS. WITHERS. _They come in._
How d’you do? It’s so nice of you to come before any one else.
We know you’re not used to these grand affairs, Maria, and we thought you might want a couple of old friends to do something for you.
Oh, thank you. But there are plenty of servants. May I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Withers to your Royal ’Ighness.
We were just going into the garden. I daresay people will begin to come presently.
[_They all go out except_ ETHEL _and_ LORD SERLO.
Your respected mother has given your humble notice to quit.
Look here, let’s be frank with one another, shall we?
Well, if you ask me point blank, anythin’ but.
Well, ten days ago your people were all over me. I suppose you know why as well as I do.
It was dear Lord Serlo all day long; they couldn’t have enough of me. Rippin’ good chap, Serlo. Just the sort of cove one would like to have for a son-in-law.
Half a mo. I ain’t done yet. Eminently suitable match, and all that sort of thing, only the young lady couldn’t stick me at any price.
Better have it out, you know; rotten, keepin’ things on your chest. Don’t blame the young lady. Don’t know that I should much fancy myself if I was a blushing damsel. Not everybody’s money. Got a bit damaged in transit, eh, what? Been mixed up in one or two scandals. Not the right thing for an old-established marquess. Bit inclined to drink. No harm in him, you know, but not the sort of man you’d like to spend the rest of your life with. Young woman got a mind of her own. Lets the noble lord see she wouldn’t take him if he was given away with a pound of tea. All right, says noble lord, bet’s off. Not much, says mother of young woman. Half a million goin’ beggin’. Give her time to get used to you. Fascinating cove really. More she knows you more she’ll like you. Come down and stay in the country.