ROYCE. No, not yet.
OLIVER. Perhaps he hadn’t got my letter this morning. But it’s worth thinking about, it is really.
ROYCE (hard at it again). Yes, I am sure it is.
OLIVER. You know——
ROYCE. You know, Oliver, I’m really very busy.
OLIVER (getting up). Oh, all right. And I want a wash anyway. Is Father in his study?
ROYCE. Yes. Also very busy. If you really are [246]going, I wish you’d see if Miss Blayds could spare me a moment.
OLIVER. Right. (Turning to the door and seeing ISOBEL come in) She can. Hallo, Aunt Isobel!
ISOBEL. I thought I heard your voice. Did you have an interesting time?
OLIVER. Rather! I was telling Royce. (He takes her hand and pats it kindly) And I say, it’s all right. Quite all right. (He kisses her hand) Believe me, it’s going to be absolutely all right. You see. (He pats her hand soothingly and goes out.)