(_Montgomery writes at intervals, when others talk._)
Mrs. V. Archibald, have we any right to be indignant with Sir Charles?
Mrs. V. Yes. But will Sir Charles quite like us to tell him so?
Mont, (_pathetically_). It's deucedly--beg pardon--it's hard to be diplomatic. How would "protest meeting" do?
Vin. Too political. Let "indignation" stand. We must show him he's roused the sleeping lion.
Mont, (_acquiescent_). I'll underline it if you like.
Vin. No! No! Firmness, my dear Monty, firmness, not ostentation.
Mrs. M. (_gushingly to Mrs. Vining_). What a man of affairs Mr. Vining is!
Vin. (_filling his chest_). I flatter myself I put things through, Mrs. Montgomery. Now, Monty!
Mont. (_reading_). "At the indignation meeting--um--held on the--um--it was resolved to respectfully address----"
Mont, (_puzzled_). That's in order, I think.
Mrs. V. But, Archibald, to address a split infinitive to a baronet!
Vin. (_moving him to write_). It was resolved respectfully to address----
Mont, (_correcting and reading_). To address a letter to you on the subject of your rumoured intention to sell the Polygon.
Vin. Correct, I think? (_Approval from the settee._)
Mont. (_proceeding_). It is our hope that should this information be correct, bracket, which we hesitate to believe, bracket, you will reconsider your decision to give over to the hands of the jerry builder the only residences in Carrington habitable by persons of refinement.
Vin. Excellent. (_Approval from settee. Vining crosses l. to above Montgomery and takes letter; patronisingly._) You write a clerkly hand, Monty. (_Picks up pen._) I'll sign as the oldest resident present.
(_Montgomery swallows a protest, remaining seated, Vining signs, bending over._)
What a pity Sir Charles is abroad. We shall be kept waiting for his reply.
Vin. (_putting envelope before him_). Yes. _Hotel Métropole_, Monte Carlo.
(_Montgomery writes and encloses letter. Vining goes to French window and opens it._)
I'll have this posted at once. (_Calls._) Pilling!
(_He returns. Montgomery crosses r. and sits above fireplace._)
Mar. (_rises_). Jolly glad to hear it. I'm fed up. Come out and play tennis, Walter. (_Puts chair down c._)
Mar. It's always some other time with you, now. I'm forgetting what you look like in flannels. You'll lose all your form if you don't practice a bit.