Brandon. Ah, here he is, here he is! The last, as usual. Come along in, Rupert.
[Rupert comes down a little.
(Introducing) Mr. Cadell—Mrs. Debenham.
[Mrs. Debenham smirks.
Rupert. Howdyoudo.
Brandon. Miss Leila Arden.
Rupert. Howdyoudo.
Leila. Howdyoudo.
Brandon. Mr. Cadell—Sir Johnstone Kentley.
Rupert (a little more solemnly). Howdyoudo, sir. (There is no smile on his face.)
Sir Johnstone. Howdyoudo.
Brandon. Mr. Raglan—Mr. Cadell.
Raglan. Howdyoudo. [Rupert bows,
Rupert. But tell me. I don’t quite follow. Have I come dressed, or have others come undressed? I telephoned an inquiry, but could not obtain—er—an answer.
Brandon. Now contain yourself, Rupert, and sit down. (Indicates chair.)
[Rupert looks at chair, and then espies chest. Stops affectedly, bends down to look at it, and prods it with stick. Pauses.
Rupert. What in heaven? . . .
Brandon. There you are, Rupert, we’re going have our meal off a chest.
Rupert. Oh—are we?
Brandon. Yes.
Rupert (still prodding). Why are we going to have our meal off a chest?
Brandon. Because it’s a very nice chest, and because all the tables are covered with books.
Leila. Yes. Haven’t you heard? The entire place is covered with library.
Rupert. Oh! (Looks round, limps to chair, and sits down.)
[ 28 ]
