The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Philip.

Au revoir! [Calling after Roope.] Mind that corner! [Closing the outer door with a bang and shouting.] John! [Coming back into the study.] John! [Closing the vestibule door.] John! [Going to the big doors and opening the one on the left a little way.] John——!

[Ottoline, richly dressed in furs, steps through the opening and confronts him. Her cheeks are flushed and her manner has lost some of its repose.

Ottoline.

[Shutting the door behind her as she enters—playfully.] Qu'est-ce que vous désirez John?

Philip.

[Catching her in his arms.] My dear girl!

Ottoline.

Ha, ha! I'm not going to stop a minute. [Rapidly.] I've been to tea with Kitty Millington; and as I was getting into my car, I suddenly thought—! [He kisses her.] I waited in there to avoid Robbie Roope.

Philip.