NORWOOD (astounded). Kate! (to DENNIS) You devil!
DENNIS. And only a moment ago I was comparing you to the Archangel Gabriel.
NORWOOD (sneeringly to KATE). So you"re going to be a loving wife to him after all?
DENNIS (tapping him kindly on the shoulder). You"ll remember what I said about Mesopotamia?
NORWOOD (pulling himself together hastily). Good-bye, Mrs. Camberley.
I can only hope that you will be happy.
(He goes out with dignity.)
DENNIS (closing the door). Well, there we agree.
(He comes back to her.)
KATE. What a stupid little fool I have been. (She holds out her arms to him) Dennis!
DENNIS (retreating in mock alarm). Oh no, you don"t! (He shakes a finger at her) We"re not going to rush it _this_ time.
KATE (reproachfully). Dennis!
DENNIS. I think you should call me Mr. Camberley.
KATE (with a smile). Mr. Camberley.
DENNIS. That"s better. Now our courtship begins. (Bowing low) Madam, will you do me the great honour of dining with me this evening?
KATE (curtseying). I shall be charmed.
DENNIS. Then let us hasten. The carriage waits.
KATE (holding up the two hats). Which of these two chapeaux do you prefer, Mr. Camberley?
DENNIS. Might I express a preference for the black one with the pink roses?
KATE. It is very elegant, is it not? (She puts it on.)
DENNIS. Vastly becoming, upon my life. . . . I might mention that I am staying at the club. Is your ladyship doing anything to-morrow?
KATE. Nothing of any great importance.
(He offers his arm and she takes it.)
DENNIS (as they go to the door). Then perhaps I may be permitted to call round to-morrow morning about eleven, and make inquiries as to your ladyship"s health.
KATE. It would be very obliging of you, sir.
[They go out together.
THE ROMANTIC AGE
A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS
CHARACTERS
HENRY KNOWLE.
MARY KNOWLE (his wife).
MELISANDE (his daughter).
JANE BAGOT (his niece).
BOBBY COOTE.
GERVASE MALLORY.
ERN.
GENTLEMAN SUSAN.
ALICE.
ACT I The hall of MR. KNOWLE"S house. Evening.
ACT II A glade in the wood. Morning.
ACT III The hall again. Afternoon.
This play was first produced by Mr. Arthur Wontner at the Comedy Theatre on October 18, 1920, with the following cast:
Henry Knowle--A. BROMLEY-DAVENPORT.
Mary Knowle--LOTTIE VENNE.
Melisande--BARBARA HOFFE.
Jane--DOROTHY TETLEY.
Bobby--JOHN WILLIAMS.
Gervase Mallory--ARTHUR WONTNER.
Ern--ROY LENNOL.
Gentleman Susan--H.O. NICHOLSON.
Alice--IRENE RATHBONE.
THE ROMANTIC AGE