Rupert. This, of course, is the time when I really enjoy the wireless.
Leila. That’s the storm, I expect.
[Raglan returns with paper and cigarettes. Hands cigarettes to Brandon.
Raglan. Here you are.
Brandon. Ta.
Raglan (giving paper to Leila). Here you are.
Leila. Thanks. Well, now we want the string. Where’s the string?
Brandon. Oh—the string’s in the other room. I’ll get it.
Raglan. No, no. I’ll get it. Where is it? (Obviously enjoying himself and frantically eager to serve.)
Brandon. It’s in that sort of big vase thing—you know.
Leila. Do you know the sort of big vase thing?
Raglan. Oh yes—I know. I’ll get it. (Rushes out again.)
Rupert (looking up from book and straight at Leila for a moment, mockingly.) Isn’t he sweet?
Leila. Yes, he is rather a lamb. (Begins to spread paper out on chest.)
Rupert (putting book down). Yes. (Hobbling over to chair, L.) A decided duck. (Sits down.)
[Raglan returns with ball of string.
Raglan. Here we are. (Standing over Leila helpfully as she arranges books. Turns to Brandon.) Oh! And Sir Johnstone wants to know whether he can browse on that sort of topshelf thing—I didn’t quite follow what he———
Brandon. Oh yes. I know what he means. (To Granillo, who, he notices, is about to have another drink.) I say, Granno, do go in and explain to him. The poor old man’s getting into hopeless muddles.
[ 55 ]
