GERVASE. Please. (To MR. KNOWLE) Won't you have this, sir?
MR. KNOWLE. No thank you. I have a special cup.
(He takes a large cup from MELISANDE). A family tradition, Mr. Mallory. But whether it is that I am supposed to require more nourishment than the others, or that I can't be trusted with anything breakable, History does not relate.
GERVASE (laughing). Well, I think you're lucky. I like a big cup.
MR. KNOWLE. Have mine.
GERVASE. No, thanks.
BOBBY (coming in). Hallo! Tea?
MR. KNOWLE. Ah, Bobby, you're just in time. (To GERVASE) This is Mr. Coote. Bobby, this is Mr. Mallory. (They nod to each other and say, "How do you do? ")
MELISANDE (indicating a seat next to her). Come and sit here, Bobby.
BOBBY (who was making for JANE). Oh—er—righto. (He sits down.)