The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Roope.

[Looking at his watch.] Quarter-past-ten. [Excitedly.] Phil, I bet you a hundred guineas—[correcting himself] er—well—five pounds—I bet you five pounds I'm with you again, with a favourable reply, before twelve!

Philip.

[Clapping Roope on the back.] Done! [Crossing to the writing-table.] At the worst, I've earned a fiver.

Roope.

[As Philip sits at the table and takes a sheet of paper and an envelope from a drawer.] May I suggest——?

Philip.

[Dipping his pen in the ink.] Fire away, old chap.

Roope.

[Seeking for inspiration by gazing at the ceiling.] H'm—[Dictating.] "Forgive me. I forgive you. When may I come to you?" [To Philip.] Not another word.