GERVASE. Do you mean professionally?
SUSAN. Yes. There is a young fellow, a contortionist and sword-swallower, known locally in these parts as Humphrey the Human Hiatus, who travels from village to village. Just for a moment I wondered—
(He glances at GERVASE's legs, which are uncovered. GERVASE hastily wraps his coat round them.)
GERVASE. I am not Humphrey. No. Gervase the Cheese Swallower. . . . Er—my costume—
SUSAN. Please say nothing more. It was ill-mannered of me to have inquired. Let a man wear what he likes. It is a free world.
GERVASE. Well, the fact is, I have been having a bathe.
SUSAN (with a bow). I congratulate you on your bathing costume.
GERVASE. Not at all.
SUSAN. You live near here then?
GERVASE. Little Malling. I came over in a car.