_Pilliner._ If you want to say good-bye, old fellow, now's your chance!
_Captain Thicknesse._ It--it don't matter. She's engaged. And, look here, you needn't mention that I was askin' for her.
_Pilliner._ Of course, old fellow, if you'd rather not. (_He glances at him._) But I say, my dear old chap, if _that's_ how it is with you, I don't quite see the sense of chucking it up _already_, don't you know. No earthly affair of mine, I know; still, if I _could_ manage to stay on, I would, if I were _you_.
_Captain Thicknesse._ Hang it all, Pilliner, do you suppose _I_ don't know when the game's up! If it was any _good_ stayin' on---- And besides, I've said good-bye to Lady C., and all that. No, it's too late now.
_Tredwell_ (_at the door_). Excuse me, sir, but if you're going by the 10.40, you haven't any too much time.
_Pilliner_ (_to himself after_ Captain THICKNESSE _has hurried out_). Poor old chap, he does seem hard hit! Pity he's not Lady Maisie's sort. Though what she can see in that long-haired beggar----! Wonder when Vivien Spelwane intends to come down; never knew her miss breakfast before.... What's that rustling?... Women! I'll be off, or they'll nail me for church before I know it.
[_He disappears hastily in the direction of the Smoking-room as_ Lady CANTIRE and Mrs. CHATTERIS _enter_.
[Illustration: "I'LL BE OFF, OR THEY'LL NAIL ME FOR CHURCH BEFORE I KNOW IT."]
_Lady Cantire._ Nonsense, my dear, no walk at all; the church is only just across the park. My brother Rupert always goes, and it pleases him to see the Wyvern pew as full as possible. I seldom feel equal to going myself, because I find the necessity of allowing pulpit inaccuracies to pass without a protest gets too much on my nerves; but my daughter will accompany you. You'll have just time to run up and get your things on.
_Mrs. Chatteris_ (_with arch significance_). I don't _fancy_ I shall have the pleasure of your daughter's society this morning. I just met her going to get the garden keys; I think she has promised to show the grounds to---- Well, I needn't mention _whom_. Oh dear me, I hope I'm not being indiscreet _again_!
_Lady Cantire._ I make a point of never interfering with my daughter's proceedings, and you can easily understand how natural it is that such old friends as they have always been----