[Lightly.] I won't.
Lady Filson.
[Entering and shaking hands with him.] Your staircase is so dark, it takes an age to climb it. [To Roope, who comes forward, shaking hands with him.] How nice! Ottoline told me, coming along, that we were to meet you.
Roope.
[Bending over her hand.] Dear lady!
Lady Filson.
[Coming to Sir Randle.] There you are, Randle! [Nodding to Bertram, who is sitting aloof in the chair on the extreme left.] Bertie darling! [Sir Randle rises.] Aren't these rooms quaint and cosy, Randle?
Sir Randle.
[Still somewhat disconcerted.] For a solitary man, ideal. [Solemnly.] If ever I had the misfortune to be left alone in the world——
Lady Filson.