[_Regaining her self-possession._] Oh, I had my lunch an hour ago; I came over so ravenous. [_Going to_ MISS MOON, _who is still lost in admiration of_ POLLITT--_in a whisper._] Be off, child. Don"t stand staring at Mr. Valma.
MISS MOON.
[_In_ SOPHY"S _ear._] I think I"ve got him another!
SOPHY.
Shut up!
[MISS MOON _withdraws, with her bowl and towel._
SOPHY.
[_To_ POLLITT.] Did you catch what she said? Oh, it doesn"t matter if you did; you know we are all working for you, like n.i.g.g.e.rs.
POLLITT.
[_Tenderly._] Ah!
SOPHY.
Not a customer leaves my place without having heard your name mentioned.
My girls are regular bricks.
POLLITT.
[_Approaching her._] And what are you?
SOPHY.
[_Looking away again._] Oh, I do no more than any of the others.
POLLITT.
Do you expect me to believe that? you, their queen! No, it is _you_ who have helped me to steer my bark into the flowing waters of popularity.
SOPHY.
[_Nervously._] Extremely pleased, I--I"m sure. [_He is close beside her; a cork is drawn loudly. They part, startled and disturbed. She goes to the opening in the part.i.tion, raising her voice slightly._] Girls, can"t you draw your corks a shade quieter? Nice if somebody was coming upstairs!
MISS LIMBIRD.
[_In the distance._] Very sorry, Miss Fullgarney.
SOPHY.
[_To_ POLLITT, _as she toys with the articles upon the circular table._]
Everything is so up this weather. It"s their lime-juice champagne.
POLLITT.
[_By her side again--suddenly._] I love you!
SOPHY.
Oh, Mr. Valma!
POLLITT.
I love you! Ever since I had the honour of being presented to you by Mr.
Salmon, the picture-dealer next door, I have thought of you, dreamt of you, constantly. [_She brushes past him; he follows her._] Miss Fullgarney, you will accord me permission to pay you my addresses?
SOPHY.
[_In a flutter._] I--I am highly flattered and complimented, Mr. Valma, by your proposal--
POLLITT.
[_Taking her hand._] Flattered--no!
SOPHY.
[_Withdrawing her hand._] Oh, but please wait!
POLLITT.
Wait!
SOPHY.
I mean, I certainly couldn"t dream of accepting the attentions of any man until he fully understood--
POLLITT.
Understood what?
SOPHY.
[_Summoning all her dignity._] Oh, I"ll be perfectly straight with you--until he fully understood that, whatever my station in life may be now, I have risen from rather--well, I may say _very_ small beginnings.
POLLITT.
What matters that?
SOPHY.
Oh, but I beg your pardon--it does. [_Relaxing._] I am sure I can depend on you not to give me away all over the place?
POLLITT.