[Ignoring Sir Randle's hand—reading.] "The extraordinary stir, which we venture to prophesy will not soon be eclipsed, made by Mr. Philip Mackworth's recent novel, 'The Big Drum,' lends additional interest to the announcement of his forthcoming marriage to the beautiful Madame de Chaumié—" [The bell rings. He listens to it, and then goes on reading.] "—the beautiful Madame de Chaumié, daughter of the widely and deservedly popular—the widely and deservedly popular Sir Randle and Lady Filson——"
[After reading it to the end silently, he restores the paper to Sir Randle with a smile and a slight bow.
Sir Randle.
[Collecting himself.] Er—Lady Filson and I thought it might be prudent, Philip, to—er—to give a lead to the inevitable comments of the press. [Replacing the paper in his pocket-book.] If you object, my dear boy——
Philip.
[With a motion of the head towards the vestibule door.] That must be Lady Filson and Ottoline.
[He goes to the door and opens it. Lady Filson and Ottoline are in the vestibule and John is taking Lady Filson's wrap from her.
Lady Filson.
[Brimming over with good humour.] Ah, Philip! Don't say we're late!
Philip.