[138]him.) Mr. X, your interest in my picture flatters me immensely——
Carve. (Interrupting him.) I see you've bought my latest portrait of my wife.
Alcar. Yes.
Janet. (Starting up.) What's that? (She goes to inspect picture.)
Carve. I suppose it would be abusing your hospitality to inquire how much you paid our excellent dealer for it?
Alcar. Not in the least. But the fact is we haven't yet settled the price. The exact price is to depend on the result of our gathering.
Janet. Well, if anybody had told me I should find my own portrait—cooking-sleeves and all——
(Inarticulate—she returns to her chair.)
Alcar. And now that we have got so far, Mr. X, I should like to centralize the attention of this quite friendly gathering on yourself.
Carve. (Approaching airily.) Really! (He sits.)