Sabot (again uncomprehending). A White One, sair? (Seeing.) Oh, sair! Yes, sair. . . . A white one, sair. (Draws air in through his teeth rather nervously.)
[Rupert goes on reading. Sabot goes to door and opens it, comes back and fetches tray containing everything cleared, and goes out with it into the passage, leaving door open. He can be heard putting down tray outside, comes back to close door, but pauses in doorway. He bows.
Bon soir, monsieur.
Rupert (looking up from book). Good night, Sabot.
[Sabot goes out. There is a pause. The rain comes down. Rupert abruptly closes book and gets up. Moves towards the window. He pauses at chest and gives it a kick—not very suspiciously, but curiously, in passing—goes on to window and looks out. Rain. He comes down and helps himself to a drink. Goes back to the same chair and resumes book. Suddenly closes it and looks in front of him. After about ten seconds he is about to resume book, when a chorus of voices is heard from the next room and Brandon re-enters.
Brandon (looking at chest and at Rupert). Hullo, Sabot gone?
Rupert. Yes, Sabot gone. (Puts book on table.) Brandon.
[Brandon closes door and comes down to mantelpiece for a cigarette. Lights it. Pause. Rupert settles himself in armchair.
Brandon. Um? (Begins to poke the fire.)
Rupert. I have just thought of something rather queer.
Brandon (still at fire). Something queer, What’s that?
[ 43 ]
