Rupert). No—thank you, old boy. I think we’ll try and make it.
Rupert. Very well, have it your own way.
[Raglan and Leila burst in. Raglan is carrying books and is behind Leila.
Leila. Hullo! Did you hear that?
Rupert. M’m. We heard it all right. We’re scared out of our wits.
Leila. I know! (Going to window.) And it’s simply coming down in sheets! Surely you’re not going to Oxford to-night!
Granillo. Certainly we are.
Leila. But, my dear, you can’t! You’ll be simply swamped out, my dear! Flooded, my dear!
Brandon. I hear you want some string, Leila.
Leila. Oh, yes—so we do! (Turning to Raglan.) Where are the books? Oh, here we are. We’re going to make a parcel, my dear. Come on. (Takes half the books from Raglan and planks them down on the chest.) We’ve got some paper. (To Raglan again.) Have you got the paper?
Raglan. Oh, no, I’ve forgotten the paper.
Leta. Well, go and get it! Be quick!
Raglan. Right you are. [Exits.
Brandon (down at fire. Going to door and shouting). And you might bring the cigarettes while you’re there, Kenneth!
Raglan (off). Right you are!
[Brandon comes down to fire. Rupert goes up to chest and begins looking at books.
Leila (spying the wireless). Hullo—can I see what’s on?
Brandon. Certainly.
[Leila touches indicators. For about ten seconds nothing happens.
[ 54 ]
