a genius at it, I mean—suppose he was alive to the fact that vanity was the Achilles heel to the thing, and went specially out of his way to see that he wasn’t caught like that. I’m talking of a genius at it.
Rupert (looking at him). Oh yes. But then he’d never be able to keep from talking about the very fact that he was so brilliantly clever, as you put it. So he’d give himself away just the same.
Brandon. Yes. But he might be so clever.
Rupert. Might. But wouldn’t. (Slight pause. Looks at him.) Don’t you think so?
[A roll of thunder in the distance.
Raglan. Ah—here we are. It’s coming back again.
Brandon (going over to window). Lord, yes. I’m getting sick of this storm.
Leila. Yes. So am I. I say, you know, it’s really about time I ought to be going.
Raglan. Yes. Same here, really.
Rupert (drily). Wha tan uncanny coincidence. Now you’ll both be able to go together.
[Another louder clap of thunder.
Leila. I say—isn’t it absolutely awful?
Raglan. Isn’t it terrible? Are you really still going you two?
Brandon. Certainly. It’s probably only just around London. Besides—it’s not so bad now. It’s not raining, as a matter of fact, now, if you’re thinking of getting off.
Leila. No—that’s what I thought.
Raglan. Same here.
Rupert. Which is another curious coincidence.
Leila. Oh, do shut up——— [The telephone rings.
Brandon. Ah-ha . . . (Goes over to telephone and sits down at it.) Hullo. . . . Hullohullohullo. . . . Yes. . . . Mayfair X143. . . . Hullo. . . . Yes. . . .
[All are listening in complete silence.
[A clap of thunder.
[ 64 ]
