Part 4 (1/2)

_Pilcher._ Good afternoon, Telfer.

_Harry._ Good afternoon.

_Pilcher._ Good-bye, Mrs. Sturgess.

_Renie._ Good-bye. So many thanks for your eloquent sermon.

[_Shaking hands._

_Pitcher._ Now, was I eloquent? I suppose I was, since I've produced such an invigorating New Year atmosphere.

[RENIE _moves her French novel._

_Matt._ And brought Lucas over from Aldershot in the snow!

_Lucas._ Rather! I shall come again next year.

[_Shaking hands._

_Pilcher._ Do. And then we shall be able to estimate the effect of my eloquence.

_Matt._ [_Tapping the money-box._] We shall!

_Pilcher._ Good-bye, Mrs. Telfer.

_Dolly._ Good-bye. [_Rings bell._

_Pilcher._ Good-bye, Mr. Barron.

_Matt._ Good-bye.

_Pilcher._ You might be inclined to risk a sovereign on yourself for the Blanket Club?

_Matt._ I daren't. I can't trust my gray matter--I should make a dreadful fiasco.

[CRIDDLE _appears at door._

_Pilcher._ Mrs. Telfer, I leave him in your hands.

[_Exit_ PILCHER. CRIDDLE _closes the door after him._

_Matt._ Dolly, I don't mind having that new Parisian hat on with you.

_Dolly._ Done! I don't mind how much I punish you.

_Prof._ [_Taking out his watch._] Half past three, my dear.

_Renie._ I don't think I'll go out this afternoon.

_Prof._ Oh, you'd better take your little const.i.tutional. You missed it yesterday. I'm sure your restlessness is due to your not taking regular exercise.