(They shake hands)
GERVASE. How do you do?
(ALICE comes in with tea)
MR. KNOWLE. I've been wasting my day at a sale. I hope you spent yours more profitably, (GERVASE laughs pleasantly) And what have you been doing, Sandy?
MELISANDE. Wasting mine, too, Father.
MR. KNOWLE. Dear, dear. Well, they say that the wasted hours are the best.
MELISANDE (moving to the door). I think I will go and—— (MRS. KNOWLE comes in with outstretched hands)
MR. KNOWLE. My dear, this is Mr. Mallory.
MRS. KNOWLE. My dear Mr. Mallory! (Turning round) Sandy, dear! (MELISANDE comes slowly back) How do you do?
GERVASE (shaking hands). How do you do?