H'm! Dinah dear, make Mr. Paulover and Mr. Queckett known to each other. [_Queckett comes forward with a disagreeable look. Reginald glares at him._]
[_Timidly._] Reggie dear, this is Mr. Queckett. [_Queckett bows stiffly. Reginald nods angrily._]
[_To Dinah._] Dinah, what is a man doing here? You know I can't bear you to talk to a man.
Oh, Reggie, why are you always so jealous?
Is he! [_To Queckett, angrily._] I'm much obliged to Mr. Queckett.
[_Pacifying Reginald._] Mr. Queckett is so nice--he calls himself Dinah's uncle.
Does he! Then it's a liberty--that's all I can say.
I'm not in your house, sir! Come away, Dinah!
[_To Queckett._] At any rate it's my business sir.
Oh, Reggie, don't! [_A loud knock and ring are heard._]
Ladies, do explain everything to Mr. Paulover. [_Dinah seizes Reginald's arm. Gwendoline and Ermyntrude gather round them, Reginald protesting._]
[_Handing his card as he passes Queckett._] My card, sir.
Pooh, sir! [_Throwing the card in the fire. The three girls hurry Reginald out of the room._]
[_To Queckett._] I'm so sorry--he hasn't taken to you.
He needn't trouble himself! Upon my soul, this is going to be a nice party!
Three gentlemen, sir: I was to say the name of Mallory.
[_Delighted, to Queckett._] Oh, he's brought some good fellows! [_Reckoning on her fingers,_] That's one for Ermyntrude--and one for me--and one for--
[_To Peggy._] Be quiet. [_To Tyler._] I'll come down.
Yes, Jack! [_Jack Mallory enters. He is a good-looking, jovial fellow of about thirty-six, with a bronzed face. He is in evening dress and overcoat. Tyler goes out._]
[_Shaking hands heartily with Queckett._] Ah, Queckett--dear old chap--well, I am glad to see you.
Quaint diggings you have up here. The hanging committee have shied you, though, haven't they? [_Seeing Peggy._] I beg your pardon.
[_Confused._] Oh--ah--yes. I didn't mention it. I have my--my--nieces spending Christmas with me.
[_Bowing to Peggy._] Delighted. [_To Queckett._] Did you say niece or nieces?
Nieces. [_Softly to Peggy, quickly._] How many? I forget.
Three, not counting me. I mean three, not counting that vexing girl--Peggy--Margaret.
[_Bowing._] It would be impossible not to count Miss--Margaret.
[_Simpering._] Oh! [_Queckett assists Mallory to take off his overcoat, first darting an angry look at Peggy._]