Jeyes.
At all events, the task you have to face now is to prove to the world—his world—that Miss Parradell is equal to playing “lead” on a bigger stage than the stage of the Pandora. Holding her at arms’ length and shaking her fondly. And you’ll do it! Ho, ho, ho, ho! You’ll do it! Ha, ha, ha—! His voice dies away miserably and he releases her. Then, pulling himself together, he looks at his watch. Well, I’ve got to lunch with Bob at half-past one at the Junior Carlton——
Lily.
Agitatedly. Ah, it’s not nearly that, Nicko; it’s not nearly that! Nicko—! She passes him, moving towards the door on the left as if to intercept him, and then turns to him. A strip of ribbon lies upon the spot where she has been standing. After gazing at it for a moment, he stoops and picks it up. Oh—! He folds the ribbon carefully and puts it into his pocket. Oh—! Hitching up her stocking through her robe, piteously. Ha, ha!
Jeyes.
Ha, ha, ha——!
They face one another, laughing, and then she sits upon the fauteuil-stool and drops her head upon the table and he fetches his hat and cane from the box-ottoman.
Lily.
Weeping. Nicko—Nicko——!
Jeyes.