TIMBRELL. Yes. By-the-bye, what is your father, Mary? What’s his occupation?
MARY. He’s a cabman, sir.
TIMBRELL. Quite so. Quite so.
MARY. [After a short pause.] It’s rather late ma’am. Shall I bring in tea?
MRS. TIMBRELL. You are very good, Mary. If you will, please.
[Curtain.]
[ACT II.]
[The same place. Nearly a year later. Christmas Eve. The room is decorated with evergreens, &c. TIMBRELL and EDGAR discovered. They are in jackets and black ties, &c.]
TIMBRELL. [Surveying EDGAR.] Yes, that’s right—black tie—You told Sheila to put on some half and half affair? Not full evening dress, you know. Of course I didn’t like to say anything to Leonard, but his wife’s a sensible girl—in some ways. She’ll manage to be—er—neat, you know. Bit of an ordeal for her, but I’m sure you and Sheila will do all you can to make it—er—pass off pleasantly.