Part 23 (1/2)
DINAH. Yes, I always say that he's probably still alive, and will turn up here one morning and annoy George, because that's what first husbands always do in books, but I'm afraid there's not much chance.
PIM (shocked). Miss Marden!
DINAH. Well, of course, I don't really _want_ it to happen, but it _would_ be rather exciting, wouldn't it? However, things like that never seem to occur down here, somehow. There was a hay-rick burnt last year about a mile away, but that isn't quite the same thing, is it?
PIM. No, I should say that that was certainly different.
DINAH. Of course, something very, very wonderful did happen last night, but I'm not sure if I know you well enough---- (She looks at him hesitatingly.)
PIM (uncomfortably). Really, Miss Marden, I am only a--a pa.s.ser-by, here to-day and gone to-morrow. You really mustn't----
DINAH. And yet there's something about you, Mr. Pim, which inspires confidence. The fact is--(in a stage whisper)--I got engaged last night!
PIM. Dear me, let me congratulate you.
DINAH. I expect that's why George is keeping you such a long time.
Brian, my young man, the well-known painter--only n.o.body has ever heard of him--he's smoking a pipe with George in the library and asking for his niece's hand. Isn't it exciting? You're really rather lucky, Mr. Pim--I mean being told so soon. Even Olivia doesn't know yet.
PIM (getting up). Yes, yes. I congratulate you, Miss Marden. Perhaps it would be better----
[ANNE comes in.
ANNE. Mr. Marden is out at the moment, sir---- Oh, I didn't see you, Miss Dinah.
DINAH. It's all right, Anne. _I'm_ looking after Mr. Pim.
ANNE. Yes, Miss.
[She goes out.
DINAH (excitedly). That's me. They can't discuss me in the library without breaking down, so they're walking up and down outside, and slas.h.i.+ng at the thistles in order to conceal their emotion. _You_ know. I expect Brian----
PIM (looking at his watch). Yes, I think, Miss Marden, I had better go now and return a little later. I have a telegram which I want to send, and perhaps by the time I came back----
DINAH. Oh, but how disappointing of you, when we were getting on together so nicely. And it was just going to be your turn to tell me all about _your_self.
PIM. I have really nothing to tell, Miss Marden. I have a letter of introduction to Mr. Marden, who in turn will give me, I hope, a letter to a certain distinguished man whom it is necessary for me to meet.
That is all. (Holding out his hand) And now, Miss Marden----
DINAH. Oh, I'll start you on your way to the post office. I want to know if you're married, and all that sort of thing. You've got heaps to tell me, Mr. Pim. Have you got your hat? That's right. Then we'll--hullo, here's Brian.
(BRIAN STRANGE comes in at the windows. He is what GEORGE calls a d.a.m.ned futuristic painter-chap, aged twenty-four. To look at, he is a very pleasant boy, rather untidily dressed.)
BRIAN (nodding). How do you do?
DINAH (seizing him). Brian, this is Mr. Pim. Mr. Carraway Pim. He's been telling me all about himself. It's so interesting. He's just going to send a telegram, and then he's coming back again. Mr. Pim, this is Brian--_you_ know.
BRIAN (smiling and shaking hands). How do you do?