The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

[The vestibule door opens and John announces Dunning.

John.

Mr. Dunning.

[Dunning enters and John retires. Mr. Alfred Dunning is a spruce, middle-aged, shrewd-faced man with an affable but rather curt manner. He is in his hat and overcoat.

Dunning.

[To Bertram.] Haven't kept you long, have I? I just had a cup o' cocoa—[He checks himself on seeing so large an assembly, removes his hat, and includes everybody in a summary bow.] Evening.

Bertram.

[To Dunning.] Larger gathering than you expected. [Indicating the various personages by a glance.] Sir Randle and Lady Filson—my father and mother——

Dunning.

[To Sir Randle and Lady Filson.] Evening.