Brandon. Yes. So we have. (Goes over to wireless.) Let’s see what they’re doing. They won’t be dancing yet. (He touches the apparatus.)
Leila. Oh no. Not till eleven. [Pause.
Brandon. Hullo—it’s not doing anything.
Rupert. Then take it off. (He rises, goes down to fire, takes a cigarette and lights it.)
Brandon (taking Sir Johnstone by the arm and leading him off). This way, Sir Johnstone. (He frees his arm at the doorway, and turns to Mrs. Debenham.) Will you come along, too, Mrs. Debenham? You dance, don’t you?
Mrs. Debenham. Oh, I really couldn’t say!
Rupert. We never know until we try, do we?
Mrs. Debenham. I beg your pardon.
Rupert. Granted—utterly.
Brandon. Well, come along, the rest of you—if you want to, that is. I’ve dozens of records in here.
[They go out, Raglan rather ostentatiously holding back the door for Leila, who smiles up at him and says “Thank you.” Granillo and Rupert are left alone. Granillo comes over to him at mantelpiece and takes another cigarette.
Granillo (slapping him affectionately upon shoulder). Well, Rupert?
Rupert. Well? You look rather fagged out.
Granillo. Do I? I don’t feel it.
Rupert. What have you been doing with yourself?
Granillo (yet again too heavily). Doing with myself? Nothing Why do you ask?
Rupert. For no reason whatever, my dear Granno. You seem rather touchy.
Granillo. Yes. I’m a bit liverish. I’ve been sleeping most of the afternoon, and that always puts me out for the rest of the day.
Rupert. Ah, that’s what I do. . . .
[In the room across the passage the gramophone begins.
[ 37 ]
