MRS. CROWLEY.
[_Puzzled._] The man"s mad. The man"s nothing short of a raving lunatic.
d.i.c.k.
I wanted to see if you were really attached to me. You have given me a proof of esteem which I promise you I will never forget.
MRS. CROWLEY.
[_Laughing._] You"re a perfect idiot, Mr. Lomas!
d.i.c.k.
It"s one of my cherished convictions that a really nice woman is never so cruel as to marry a man she cares for.
MRS. CROWLEY.
You"re much too flippant to marry anybody, and you"re perfectly odious into the bargain.
[_She goes out._ d.i.c.k, _chuckling, lights a cigarette_. ALEC _comes in and lies down lazily on the sofa_.
ALEC.
Why, d.i.c.k, what"s the matter? You look as pleased as Punch.
d.i.c.k.
My dear fellow, I feel like the Terrible Turk. I"ve been wrestling, and I thought I was going to have a fall. But by the display of considerable agility I"ve managed to keep my legs.
ALEC.
What _do_ you mean?
d.i.c.k.
Nothing. It"s merely the gaiety of forty-two.
[BOULGER _comes into the room, followed immediately by_ MALLINS _and_ CARBERY. _He starts slightly when he sees_ ALEC, _but then goes over to the table on which is the whiskey_.
MALLINS.
May we smoke here, Bobby?
BOULGER.
Certainly. d.i.c.k insisted that this room should be particularly reserved for that purpose.
[_The_ BUTLER _comes in with a small silver salver, and takes up one or two dirty gla.s.ses_.
d.i.c.k.
Lady Kelsey is the most admirable of all hostesses.
ALEC.
[_Taking a cigarette from his case._] Give me a match, Bobby, there"s a good boy. [BOULGER, _with his back turned to_ ALEC, _takes no notice. He pours himself out some whiskey._ ALEC _smiles slightly._] Bobby, throw me over the matches!
BOULGER.
[_With his back still turned._] Miller!
BUTLER.
Yes, sir?
BOULGER.
Mr. Mackenzie is asking for something.
BUTLER.
Yes, sir!
ALEC.
You might give me a light, will you?
BUTLER.
Yes, sir!
[_The_ BUTLER _takes the matches to_ ALEC, _who lights his cigarette._
ALEC.
Thank you. [_Complete silence is preserved till the_ BUTLER _leaves the room._] I perceive, Bobbie, that during my absence you have not added good manners to your other accomplishments.
BOULGER.
If you want things, you can ask the servants for them.
ALEC.
[_Good-humouredly._] Don"t be foolish, Bobbie!
BOULGER.
Would you be so kind as to remember that my name is Boulger?