The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

[Withdrawing her hand.] Pst! [Throwing her head up.] Good night, Robbie.

[With a queenly air she sweeps into the vestibule and follows Sir Randle and Lady Filson out on to the landing. Bertram closes the vestibule door, and immediately afterwards the outer door slams.

Roope.

[To Philip, in an agony.] No, no, Phil! It mustn't end like this! Good lord, man, reflect—consider what you're chucking away! You're mad—absolutely mad! [Philip calmly presses a bell-push at the side of the fireplace.] I'll go after 'em—and talk to her. I'll talk to her. [Running to the vestibule door and opening it.] Don't wait for me. [Going into the vestibule and grabbing his hat and overcoat.] It's a tiff—a lovers' tiff! It's nothing but a lovers' tiff! [Shutting the vestibule door, piteously.] Oh, my dear excellent friend——!

[John appears, opening one of the big doors a little way. Again the outer door slams.

Philip.

[To John, sternly.] Dinner.

John.

[Looking for the guests—dumbfoundered] D-d-dinner, sir?

Philip.