[103]LATIMER (confidentially). You will forgive me for being announced in my own house, but I find that it saves so much trouble. If I had just come in and said, “I am Mr. Latimer,” then you would have had to say, “And I am—er—So-and-so, and this is—er——” Exactly. I mean we can get on so much better without names. But of course——
LEONARD. You will excuse me, sir, but——
LATIMER (going happily on). But of course, as you were just going to say, we must call each other something. (Thoughtfully) I think I shall call you Leonard. There is something about you—forgive the liberty—something Leonardish. (With a very sweet smile to ANNE) I am sure you agree with me.
ANNE. I am wondering whether this is really happening, or whether I am dreaming it.
LATIMER (his back to LEONARD). And Leonard isn’t wondering at all; he is just tapping his forehead with a great deal of expression.
(LEONARD, who was doing this, stops in some confusion.)
LEONARD (coldly). I think we have had enough of this, Mr. Latimer. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt. If you are not mad, then I will ask you for some other explanation of all this nonsense.
LATIMER (sniffing at the flower in his button-hole). An impetuous character, Leonard. It must be so obvious to everybody else in the room that an explanation will be forthcoming. But why not a friendly explanation following a friendly supper?
ANNE. Are we your guests?
LATIMER. Please.