Time?
MERESTON.
But I can"t wait. Don"t you see how I love you? You"ll never meet any one who"ll care for you as I do.
LADY FREDERICK.
I think you can wait a little. Come and see me to-morrow morning at ten, and I"ll give you an answer.
MERESTON.
Very well, if I must.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Smiling._] I"m afraid so.
FOULDES.
[_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] I wonder what the deuce your little game is now.
[_She smiles triumphantly and gives him a deep, ironical curtsey._
LADY FREDERICK.
Sir, your much obliged and very obedient, humble servant.
END OF THE SECOND ACT.
THIRD ACT
SCENE: LADY FREDERICK"S _dressing-room. At the back is a large opening, curtained, which leads to the bedroom; on the right a door leading to the pa.s.sage; on the left a window. In front of the window, of which the blind is drawn, is a dressing-table._ LADY FREDERICK"S _maid is in the room, a very neat pretty Frenchwoman.
She speaks with a slight accent. She rings the bell, and the_ FOOTMAN _enters_.
MAID.
As soon as Lord Mereston arrives he is to be shown in.
FOOTMAN.
[_Surprised._] Here?
MAID.
Where else?
[_The_ FOOTMAN _winks significantly. The_ MAID _draws herself up with dignity, and with a dramatic gesture points to the door_.
MAID.
Depart.
[_The_ FOOTMAN _goes out_.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_From the bedroom._] Have you drawn the blind, Angelique?
MAID.
I will do so, miladi. [_She draws the blind, and the light falls brightly on the dressing-table._] But miladi will never be able to stand it. [_She looks at herself in the gla.s.s._] Oh, the light of the sun in the morning! I cannot look at myself.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_As before._] There"s no reason that you should--especially in my gla.s.s.
MAID.
But if "is lordship is coming, miladi must let me draw the blind. Oh, it is impossible.
LADY FREDERICK.
Do as you"re told and don"t interfere.
[_The_ FOOTMAN _enters to announce_ MERESTON.
_The_ MAID _goes out._
FOOTMAN.
Lord Mereston.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_As before._] Is that you, Charlie? You"re very punctual.
MERESTON.
I"ve been walking about outside till the clock struck.
LADY FREDERICK.
I"m not nearly dressed, you know. I"ve only just had my bath.