position of a parcel. And they want something to do it up with.
Brandon. A parcel?
Rupert. Yes. The old man’s books. You’d better see what goes into it. I’m sure he’s lifting all your best.
[There is a sudden, tremendous clap of thunder.
Rupert. Hullo—here we are. . . .
[There is another clap, which dies down into the distance.
I thought it was coming.
[There is an enormous downpour of rain. Brandon goes to window.
Brandon. Damnation. . . . Yes, it’s coming down all right.
Rupert. Surely———
[There is another, even more tremendous clap of thunder, which causes Rupert to rise to his feet. Granillo, now again at sideboard, drops a full glass om to the floor.
Granillo, Blast! (Tries to mop it up with his handkerchief. Gets into difficulties.) Oh, where are the servants? Where are the servants?
Rupert (going over to the window, after having looked atGranillo in a surprised way). My dear Brandon, surely you’re not going in this?
Brandon (also looking out of window). Oh yes, we’ll go all right. It’ll clear up soon.
[Another clap of thunder. Pause.
Besides, we’ve got nowhere to sleep here. The beds are all dismantled.
Rupert (coming down again). Oh, that needn’t worry you. You can come round and put up with me if you care. I’ve plenty of room.
Brandon (coming down and putting his arm round
[ 53 ]
