Not older than I. Violently. Why the blazes doesn’t Smythe invite me?
Roper.
Extending his arms. My dear Nicko, I’m not giving the party. Really, you do jump down a man’s throat——!
Jeyes.
Sorry, sorry, sorry. Leaning back and thrusting his hands into his pocket. Well, I’ll put Jack and the Linthornes off. They don’t want to sup with me; I shouldn’t amuse ’em. Gazing at the carpet. Her birthday, though! It’ll be the first time I shall have been out of that for—how many years?—six years. I—— Raising his head, he detects Mrs. Upjohn and Roper eyeing each other uncomfortably. Anything the matter?
Roper.
T-t-the matter?
Jeyes.
Taking his hands from his pockets and sitting upright. Any game on?
Mrs. Upjohn.