DOMINIC has come in.
LATIMER. Dominic, his lordship’s face is just a little too close to mine. Could you—thank you! (LEONARD has started back on noticing DOMINIC.) Coffee? Excellent. (The Footmen are there with coffee.)
ANNE. No, thank you.
[110]LEONARD. No, thanks. (He sits on another chair.)
LATIMER. No, thank you. By the way, Dominic, did you go round to the Hospital this afternoon?
DOMINIC. Yes, sir. The young gentleman is getting on nicely. He was able to take a little bread-and-milk this morning.
LATIMER. Ah, I’m glad. Nothing solid yet?
DOMINIC. No, sir. The jaw is still very tender.
[He goes out.
LATIMER (to LEONARD). He bumped it against my knuckles last week. An impetuous young fellow. He was running away with—dear me, I forget her name—I always forget names. I think he called her Pussy. She had several children. (Unconsciously he has shot his cuff, and sees suddenly the note he has made) What’s this? “Dominic—Apt appearance of.” Ah, yes. (He turns to ANNE) It’s very simple. A little fad of mine. There are bells everywhere in this room—in every chair, on the table, in the floor; wherever I am, I can press a bell for Dominic. He is always close at hand on reception-evenings. Yes.