The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Why shouldn't he, Otto? Your brother is as interested as we are——

Ottoline.

But of course! Naturellement! [With a shrug.] C'est une affaire de famille. [To Bertram, who is now at the door on the left, his hand on the door-handle.] Come back, Bertie. [Repeating her wry smile.] I shall be glad to receive your congratulations with mother's and Dad's. [To Sir Randle and Lady Filson.] Sit down, Dad; sit down, mother. [Sir Randle sits in the chair on the left of the settee on the right, Lady Filson in the low-backed arm-chair, and Bertram at the oblong table.] Are you very much surprised, dear people?

Sir Randle.

Surprised? Hardly.

Lady Filson.

Poor Sir Timothy! No, we are hardly surprised, Ottoline.

Ottoline.

Ah, but I don't mean surprised at my—having made Sir Timothy unhappy; I mean surprised at hearing there is—someone else——

Sir Randle.