Mollen. (rise and up R.) Let him come—I will leave you. Prepare him, Rosamund—pave the way—lay down the stones—then I shall come—the steam roller! I have every confidence in you, my child.
(He skips off nimbly R. 3 E.—after an instant Everard comes in L. 3 E.)
Lady C. (C.) Ah, Everard—my father has just left me—we were talking of Margaret.
Everard. (C. on her L.) (indifferently) Ah?
Lady C. The sweet girl! How beautiful she looks to-day!
Everard. She has a certain prettiness—
Lady C. Oh, Everard, her eyes! I don't think I ever have seen such eyes! One moment so tender—another so deep and glowing—
Everard. As your father says, Lady Claude, those qualities are common to the optic organs of all mammals. And—let me ask you—why will you always speak about Margaret?
Lady C. Because I admire her so much! She has youth—ah, youth! (sit R. C.) And besides, dear Everard, it seems to me that Margaret has been a favourite topic—with us both!
Everard. (sit R. C. on her L.) To-day at least I decline to talk of her—but of you—only of you.