Bertram—Bertram——
Bertram.
I mean to say, mother! What becomes of family loyalty——?
Ottoline.
[To Bertram, coaxingly.] Forgive me, Bertram. I'm ashamed of my violent outburst. Forgive me——
Roope.
[Who has been effacing himself behind the table on the left, appearing at the nearer end of the table.] Er—dear excellent friends—[Sir Randle and Lady Filson look at Roope as if he had fallen from the skies, and Bertram stares at him resentfully.] dear excellent friends, if I may be permitted to make an observation——
Philip.
[To Roope.] Go ahead, old man.
Roope.