(They are sitting side by side now, looking in front of them at that struggle. He follows it in his mind.... There must be something pleasing in the prospect of it, for the frown slowly becomes a smile. Still smiling, he gives a sidelong glance at NANCY. Curiously enough, she too is not altogether miserable. But as their eyes meet they pull themselves together with a start, and BROXOPP frowns heavily and speaks again.)
BROXOPP. A hard struggle.
NANCY (sternly). A hard struggle.
(Again they look in front of them at it, and again there seems to be something in the prospect not unattractive. Once more their eyes meet, [72]but this time they do not try to hide from each other what their hearts are saying. They are saying quite unmistakably, “What fun!” Hand in hand they sit there, waiting for it to begin.)
ACT IV[73]
Scene: BROXOPP is back at No. 26. The room looks much the same as it did those many years ago, but it has been improved by one or two pieces of furniture saved from the wreck.
The BROXOPPS are out, and SIR ROGER TENTERDEN is waiting for the return of one of them. He is getting impatient. He looks at his watch and decides that he can wait no longer. He picks up his hat, and is on his way to the door, when NANCY comes in with some parcels in a string bag.
NANCY (taken by surprise). Oh, how you startled me!... Why, it’s Sir Roger!
TENTERDEN. I must apologise——
NANCY (smiling). So must I. I’ve been shopping. And it’s the maid’s afternoon out.