ISOBEL. Very well.
[She goes out.
WILLIAM. A little custom we have, Mr. Royce.
ROYCE. Oh, yes.
WILLIAM. We shall all wish him many happy returns of the day—you understand that he isn’t dressed now until the afternoon—and then I shall present you. After that, we shall all drink the health—you will join us, of course.
ROYCE (smiling). Certainly.
WILLIAM. Then, of course, it depends how we are feeling. We may feel in the mood for a little talk, or we may be too tired for anything more than a few words of greeting. You have the Address with you?
ROYCE. Yes. (Looking about him) At least I put it down somewhere.
WILLIAM (scandalised). You put it down—somewhere! My dear Mr. Royce (he searches anxiously)—at any moment now—— (He looks at his watch.) Perhaps I’d better—— (A Maid comes in with the port and glasses) Parsons, have you seen a—— (He makes vague rectangular shapes with his hands.)
ROYCE. Here it is.