Sir Johnstone is a decidedly pleasant old gentleman, slightly bent, old for his years, with clear grey eyes—slow-moving, utterly harmless, gentle and a little listless. His listlessness and gentleness, however, derive not alone from a natural kindliness, but also from the fact that he has been in a position of total authority throughout the greater part of his life, and has had no need to assert himself. But he has only too plainly never abused that authority, and the whole effect of him is completely captivating.
Mrs. Debenham is the sister of Sir Johnstone. She is tallish, plainly dressed, has been widowed long, is very plain, about fifty. She hardly ever opens her mouth, her sole means of expression being a sudden, broad, affable smirk. This she switches on, in a terrifying way, every now and again, but immediately relapses into the lost, miserable, absent-minded gloom which characterises her. She is, indeed, so completely a nonentity as to acquire considerable personality and distinction from the very fact.
Sir Johnstone (talking as he enters). . . . which, of course, can never be done. Ah, how do you do, Granillo? How are you getting on?
[They shake hands.
You know my sister, don’t you?
Mrs. Debenham. Yes! (Smirks.)
[They shake hands.
[Raglan is standing sheepishly and Leila does not quite know what to do with herself.
Brandon (taking stage). Now let me introduce you all. . . . This, Mrs. Debenham, is Miss Leila Arden. . . . Miss Arden—Sir Johnstone Kentley.
Leila. Howdyoudo.
Sir Johnstone. Howdyoudo.
Brandon. And this is Mr. Kenneth Raglan.
Raglan. Howdyoudo, sir.
Sir Johnstone. Howdyoudo.
[Mrs. Debenham smirks.
[ 25 ]
