LUKYN.
Pray compose yourself, pray compose yourself!
AGATHA POSKET.
What will you think?
LUKYN.
That I am perfectly enchanted.
AGATHA POSKET.
Thank you. [_Pointing to CHARLOTTE._] My sister.
[_LUKYN and CHARLOTTE bow._
LUKYN.
Be seated. Blond? [_Softly to him._] Keep the waiter out till I ring--that"s all.
[_The loud pattering of rain is heard._
BLOND.
Yes, Colonel.
LUKYN.
Good gracious, Blond! What"s that?
BLOND.
The rain outside. It is cats and dogs.
LUKYN.
[_Horrified._] By George, is it? [_To himself, looking towards window._] Poor devil! [_To BLOND._] There isn"t any method of getting off that balcony, is there?
BLOND.
No--unless by getting on to it.
LUKYN.
What do you mean?
BLOND.
It is not at all safe. Don"t use it.
[_LUKYN stands horror-stricken; BLOND goes out. Heavy rain is heard._
LUKYN.
[_After some nervous glances at the window, wiping perspiration from his forehead._] I am honoured, Mrs. Posket, by this visit--though for a moment--I can"t imagine----
AGATHA POSKET.
Colonel Lukyn, we drove to Cork Street to your lodgings, and there your servant told us you were supping at the Hotel des Princes, with a friend. No one will be shown into this room while we are here?
LUKYN.
No--we--ah--shall not be disturbed. [_To himself._] Good heavens, suppose I never see him alive again!
AGATHA POSKET.
[_Sighing wearily._] Ah!
LUKYN.
I"m afraid you"ve come to tell me Posket is ill.
AGATHA POSKET.
I--no--my husband is at home.
[_A sharp gust of wind is heard with the rain._
LUKYN.
Lord forgive me! I"ve killed him.
AGATHA POSKET.
[_With horror._] Colonel Lukyn!
LUKYN.
Madam!
AGATHA POSKET.
Indeed Mr. Posket is at home.
LUKYN.
[_Glancing at the window._] Is he? I wish we all were.