PERKINS. I'll tell Sir John you're here, but I don't say he'll see you, mind.
STRANGER. Don't you worry about that. He'll see me right enough.
PERKINS. He's busy just now. Well---- (He looks at THE STRANGER doubtfully.)
STRANGER (bitterly). I suppose you think I've got no business in a gentleman's house. Is that it?
PERKINS. Well, I didn't say so, did I? Maybe you're a constituent? Being in the 'Ouse of Commons, we get some pretty queer ones at times. All sorts, as you might say. . . . P'raps you're a deputation?
STRANGER (violently). What the hell's it got to do with you who I am. You go and tell your master I'm here--that's all you've got to do. See?
PERKINS (unruffled). Easy, now, easy. You 'aven't even told me your name yet. Is it the Shah of Persia or Mr. Bottomley?
STRANGER. The less said about names the better. You say, "Somebody from Lambeth"--_he'll_ know what I mean.
PERKINS (humorously). Ah, I beg your pardon--the Archbishop of Canterbury. I didn't recognise your Grace.
STRANGER (angrily). It's people like you who make one sick of the world. Parasites--servile flunkeys, bolstering up an effete aristocracy. Why don't you get some proper work to do?
PERKINS (good-naturedly). Now, look here, young man, this isn't the time for that sort of talk. If you've got anything you want to get off your chest about flunkeys or monkeys, or whatever it may be, keep it till Sunday afternoon--when I'm off duty. (He comes a little closer to THE STRANGER) Four o'clock Sunday afternoon--(jerking his thumb over his shoulder)--just round the corner--in the Bolton Mews. See? Nobody there to interrupt us. See? All quite gentlemanly and secluded, and a friend of mine to hold the watch. See? (He edges closer as he talks.)
STRANGER (retreating nervously). No offence meant, mate. We're in the same boat--you and me; we don't want to get fighting. My quarrel isn't with you. You go and tell Sir John that there's a gentleman come to see him--wants a few minutes of his valuable time--from Lambeth way. _He'll_ know. That's all right.
PERKINS (drawing back, disappointedly). Then I shan't be seeing you Sunday afternoon?
STRANGER (laughing awkwardly). There, that's all right. No offence meant. Somebody from Lambeth--that's what _you've_ got to say. And tell 'im I'm in a hurry. _He'll_ know what I mean.