Part 36 (1/2)

_Lucas._ Such as an apology----

[DOLLY _utters a contemptuous exclamation._

_Matt._ Will you give me your word of honor never to see Mrs. Sturgess again?

_Lucas._ Yes.

_Matt._ Or write to her?

_Lucas._ Yes.

_Matt._ The word of honour of an English gentleman used to mean something, Lu.

_Lucas._ It does now, Uncle Matt!

_Matt._ [_Shakes hands with him heartily._] Then I'll take it. Now be off as quickly as you can and let us make the best of it for you and her.

_Lucas._ Thanks. Good-bye!

_Matt._ Good-bye!

[LUCAS _crosses to_ DOLLY, _offers his hand._

_Dolly._ No, Lu. If Renie gets out of this safely and if you behave yourself, I'll shake hands with you when you come back from India.

_Lucas._ You're taking this too seriously--you're taking it far too seriously! [_Exit._

_Matt._ We're making a splendid start again for the New Year!

_Dolly._ I hope this will be a lesson for Renie!

_Matt._ I hope so. How about yourself?

_Dolly._ What do you mean?

_Matt._ I put the sovereign in, but--you've got a few more bills, eh?

_Dolly._ Just a few oddments.

_Matt._ How much?

_Dolly._ I don't know. Dad----

_Matt._ Well?

_Dolly._ Now that South Africans have gone up at last, and you won that splendid coup on them last week----

_Matt._ Well?

_Dolly._ You couldn't lend me--a few hundreds--till my allowance comes due? Just a few hundreds----