Part 22 (1/2)

_Harry._ [_Kisses her._] Now, business, business! [_Takes up a bill._]

What have we here? Carchet, gantier et bonnetier, artiste--Hillo, here's another artist! In stockings this time. [_Suddenly._] I say!

_Dolly._ [_Frightened._] Eh?

_Harry._ [_Points to an item in bill._] Come now, Dolly--this is really too bad--this really is too bad!

_Dolly._ [_Frightened._] What?!

[_Getting off his knee._

_Harry._ One dozen pairs best silk hose, with clocks----

_Dolly._ Yes--how much does that come to?

_Harry._ Eleven pounds two----

_Dolly._ It does seem rather a high price, but----

[_Drawing up her dress and showing an inch or two of silk stocking._

_Harry._ You're wearing them about the house?

_Dolly._ I can't go about the house without stockings. And I put them on for your especial benefit. [_He utters a contemptuous exclamation._]

They're a lovely quality----

[_Drawing up her dress an inch or two higher._

_Harry._ I daresay. [_Turning away._] I'm not going to admire your stockings, or your ostrich ruffles, or your blue silk garters, or your motifs, or anything that is yours! It's too expensive!

_Dolly._ [_Dress an inch higher, looking down at her stockings._] It's the clocks you have to pay for----

_Harry._ I beg your pardon, it's the clocks I haven't got to pay for!

And don't mean to--if I can help it. Idiotic thing to go and put clocks on stockings--[_muttering_] d.a.m.ned silly idiotic----

_Dolly._ Ah! [_Goes to table, brings the hospital box and puts it in front of him._] Double fine this time.

_Harry._ What for?

_Dolly._ Naughty swear word, and getting out of temper.

_Harry._ Oh well--[_fumbling in his pocket_] I did say d----, but I didn't get out of temper!

_Dolly._ You didn't get out of temper?!?

_Harry._ Not at all. I'm quite calm. [_Sulkily puts a s.h.i.+lling in the box._] There! [_Seats himself at table._] Now we'll go quietly and methodically through the remainder---- [_Taking up a bill, looks at it, exclaims._] Good heavens!

_Dolly._ Good heavens what?