HECTOR. [Kissing her.] Play postponed, my child—bit of luck! When I got to the theatre I found that the actor-manager's car had collided with a cab outside the stage-door—he was thrown through the window—there's a magnificent exit for you! and has been cut about a bit. Nothing serious. But the play's postponed for a week. Bit of luck!

WALTER. [Sitting.] Not for him.

HECTOR. Oh he has had luck enough—tons of it! I'll get into a jacket—then we'll have some bridge. See what progress you've made, Betty!

[He hurries out, and closes the door.

BETTY. [Producing a little mirror from her bag, looking into it, touching her hair.] We were only just in time.

WALTER. [Eagerly, as he bends across the table.] You're splendid—you are—splendid!

BETTY. Yes. All very nice and comfortable for you—isn't it? [She puts the mirror back into the bag.]

WALTER. [Coaxingly.] Betty.

BETTY. To-morrow you'll go to her—or to-night perhaps—

WALTER. To-night—ridiculous! At this hour!