Mrs. R. Haslam. But, Cedric—surely your duty——
Cedric. Oh! d—— (stopping himself).
(Enter Flora. As soon as she perceives Cedric, who has been hidden from her by the screen, she makes as if to leave the room again.)
Mrs. R. Haslam. (Recalling her.) Flora.
Flora. (With false simplicity.) So you are back, Charlie. What an angel you've been to worry yourself with all that big luggage.
Charlie. Oh! That's all right (surveying her). I see you had at least one frock in the portmanteau. We were just discussing the Snowdon flight. So you two have decided——
Flora. No, we really settled nothing. Cedric alone settles that, of course. All questions relating to aeroplanes should be addressed to the head of the flying department and not to the firm.
Cedric. (Rising, with restrained savageness.) I tell you I shall do nothing whatever for a full month. (Exit, L.)
Charles. (Trying to break the extreme awkwardness caused by Cedric's behaviour, in a bantering but affectionate tone.) I suspect the fact is that the bones of a husband are doubly precious in her sight.