ROYCE. I’m afraid I don’t understand.
SEPTIMA. It’s quite simple. I get a shilling when visitors quote “Septima” at me, and Noll gets a shilling when they don’t.
OLIVER (reproachfully). I did think that you would be able to control yourself, Royce.
[188]ROYCE (smiling). Sorry! My only excuse is that I never met any one called Septima before, and that it came quite unconsciously.
SEPTIMA. Oh, don’t apologise. I admire you immensely for it. It’s the only fun I get out of the name.
OLIVER. Septima Blayds-Conway, when you’re the only daughter, and fair at that—I ask you.
ROYCE (defensively). It’s a beautiful poem.
SEPTIMA. Have you come to see Blayds the poet?
ROYCE. Yes.
OLIVER. One of the homage merchants.