TENTERDEN (a little blankly). Oh—ah—yes. They told me down below to come up and—ah——
NANCY. That’s right. I just went out to get some kidneys. (She holds up a parcel, and SIR ROGER shudders.) I haven’t bought kidneys for I don’t know how many years; it feels quite strange. Do come and sit down. How’s Iris? We haven’t seen her lately. (She leads the way to the table and puts the bag down on it.)
TENTERDEN. Well, it was really about Iris that I ventured to come and see you so informally, [74]Mrs. Chillingham. I happened to have a business appointment just across the road, and—ah——
NANCY. How nice of you!
TENTERDEN. Is Iris quite well?
NANCY. Oh, I think so. Jack seems to be very busy. We have a note from him every now and then saying that they will come and see us when his picture is finished.
TENTERDEN. Ah! So he’s painting. Excellent.
NANCY. They’ve a studio in St. John’s Wood. But surely Iris must have told you?
TENTERDEN. I assure you, Mrs. Chillingham, that Iris has not condescended to communicate with me since—ah——
NANCY. Since we lost all our money.