ERN (tapping himself). I'm Ern.
GERVASE. Yes, I'm Mallory.
ERN. Ern.
GERVASE. Mallory. We can't keep on saying this to each other, you know, because then we never get any farther. Once an introduction is over, Mr. Hearne, we are—
ERN. Ern.
GERVASE. Yes, I know. I was very glad to hear it. But now—Oh, I see what you mean. Ern—short for Ernest?
ERN (nodding). They calls me Ern.
GERVASE. That's very friendly of them. Being more of a stranger I shall call you Ernest. Well, Ernest— (getting up) Just excuse me a moment, will you? Very penetrating bark this tree has. It must be a Pomeranian. (He folds his cloak upon it and sits down again) That's better. Now we can talk comfortably together. I don't know if there's anything you particularly want to discuss—nothing?—well, then, I will suggest the subject of breakfast.
ERN (grinning). 'Ad my breakfast.
GERVASE. You've had yours? You selfish brute! . . . Of course, you're wondering why I haven't had mine.