It is raining outside. I had better ask them up.
Do--do. I'll get Captain Vale to step into another room. Be quick. Tell 'em I am quite alone.
[_In the next room rattling glasses and calling._] Waiter! Waiter! Waiter-r-r! Where the deuce are you?
My dear Vale, I am dreadfully sorry to bother you. Two ladies, one the wife of a very old friend of mine, have followed me here and want half a dozen words with me alone. I am in your hands--how can I manage it?
My dear fellow, don't mention it. Let me go into another room.
Thank you, very much. You're so hungry too. Where's the waiter? Confound him, he's gone!
[_He passes behind sofa and tries the door leading into the other room._
[_Within._] What do you want? Who's there?
Occupied--never mind--I'll find my way somewhere.
[_Without._] Colonel, are you alone? The ladies.
One moment. Deuce take it, Vale! The ladies don't want to be seen. By George--I remember. There's a little balcony to that window; step out for a few moments--keep quiet--I shan't detain you--it's nothing important--husband must have had a fit or something.
One moment. [_Giving his hat to VALE._] Awfully sorry. You're so hungry too. [_VALE puts on the hat, which is much too large for him._] Ah, that's my hat.
[_Drawing the curtain over the recess._] Just room for him to stand like a man in a sentry-box. Come in, Blond.
_BLOND shows in AGATHA and CHARLOTTE, both wearing veils._
Pray compose yourself, pray compose yourself!
Thank you. [_Pointing to CHARLOTTE._] My sister.
Be seated. Blond? [_Softly to him._] Keep the waiter out till I ring--that's all.
[_Horrified._] By George, is it? [_To himself, looking towards window._] Poor devil! [_To BLOND._] There isn't any method of getting off that balcony, is there?
[_LUKYN stands horror-stricken; BLOND goes out. Heavy rain is heard._
[_After some nervous glances at the window, wiping perspiration from his forehead._] I am honoured, Mrs. Posket, by this visit--though for a moment--I can't imagine----
Colonel Lukyn, we drove to Cork Street to your lodgings, and there your servant told us you were supping at the Hotel des Princes, with a friend. No one will be shown into this room while we are here?
No--we--ah--shall not be disturbed. [_To himself._] Good heavens, suppose I never see him alive again!