QUEX.
In love with him?
SOPHY.
Oh, yes, my lord, indeed.
QUEX.
And yet you still flirt?
SOPHY.
Y--es.
QUEX.
Take my advice--be satisfied with the kisses your sweetheart gives you.
Don"t try to get them from other men, old or young.
SOPHY.
No--no--
QUEX.
[_Sternly, but kindly._] You little fool!
POLLITT _enters, wearing a tall hat and lemon-coloured gloves._
POLLITT.
[_Jealously._] Sophy!
[QUEX _walks away._
SOPHY.
[_Falteringly._] The fly-man brought back the bag, Valma dear.
POLLITT.
I am aware of that. [_Lowering his voice._] What are you doing here with Lord Quex?
SOPHY.
I--I"ve been manicuring him.
_The_ YOUNGER SERVANT _comes down the steps._
SERVANT.
[_To_ SOPHY.] Mrs. Eden is quite ready for you, miss.
[_She hurriedly replaces her manicure instruments, &c., in the bag, hands the bowl to the_ SERVANT, _and, without looking at_ POLLITT _or_ QUEX, _goes swiftly up the steps and disappears. The_ SERVANT _follows her, carrying the bowl._
POLLITT.
[_To_ QUEX.] Excuse me, my lord--
QUEX.
[_Coming forward, and picking up his newspaper._] Eh?
POLLITT.
That young lady and I are engaged to be married.
QUEX.
Mr.--Valma?
POLLITT.
Yes, my lord. [_Hotly._] And I very much object to her manicuring gentlemen.
QUEX.
[_Dryly._] Well, there you have a little something to discuss at home--before, and, perhaps, after marriage.
POLLITT.
I consider the custom of ladies manicuring gentlemen one that may occasionally lead to undue familiarity, my lord.
QUEX.
I am inclined to agree with you, sir.
POLLITT.
And I shall do all I can to persuade Miss Fullgarney to relinquish active partic.i.p.ation in the business.
QUEX.
The palmistry profession is a flourishing one at present, eh, Mr. Valma?
POLLITT.
[_Loftily._] My engagement-book is always full. I have disappointed several ladies by coming here this afternoon.