MR. KNOWLE (pointing to his whiskey glass). But I haven't even begun it yet. . . . Perhaps it's the port.
GERVASE (laughing). I'm awfully sorry. You must wonder what on earth I'm doing.
MR. KNOWLE. No, no; I wondered what on earth _I'd_ been doing.
GERVASE. You see, I'm going to a fancy dress dance at Collingham.
MR. KNOWLE. You relieve my mind considerably.
GERVASE. That's why I didn't want to come in--or take my cloak off.
MR. KNOWLE (inspecting him). It becomes you extraordinarily well, if I may say so.
GERVASE. Oh, thanks very much. But one feels rather absurd in it when other people are in ordinary clothes.
MR. KNOWLE. On the contrary, you make other people feel absurd. I don't know that that particular style would have suited me, but (looking at himself) I am sure that I could have found something more expressive of my emotions than this.
GERVASE. You're quite right. "Dress does make a difference, Davy."
GERVASE. I feel it's almost wicked of me to be drinking a whiskey and soda.
MR. KNOWLE. Very wicked. (Taking out his case) Have a cigarette, too?
GERVASE (feeling for it). If I can find it. They were very careless about pockets in the old days. I had a special one put in somewhere, only it's rather difficult to get at. . . . Ah, here it is. (He takes a cigarette from his case, and after trying to put the case back in his pocket again, places it on the table.)
GERVASE. Thanks. (Picking up his whiskey) Well, here's luck, and--my most grateful thanks.
MR. KNOWLE (raising his glass). May you slay all your dragons.
MR. KNOWLE. Well, now about Collingham. I don't know if you saw a map outside in the hall.
GERVASE. I saw it, but I am afraid I didn't look at it. I was too much interested in your prints.
MR. KNOWLE (eagerly). You don't say that you are interested in prints?
GERVASE. Very much--as an entire amateur.
MR. KNOWLE. Most of the young men who come here think that the art began and ended with Kirchner. If you are really interested, I have something in the library--but of course I mustn't take up your time now. If you could bear to come over another day--after all, we are neighbours----
GERVASE. It's awfully nice of you; I should love it.
MR. KNOWLE. Hedgling is the name of the village. I mention it because you seem to have lost your way so completely----