[ [5] Sir C. opens door L. for Mrs. Crespin; after her exit, closes door. They all turn and look at Sir C. He sinks into a chair up C., and shakes his head at them.
Sir C.
Our fib won't do.
Lady R.
Freddie, you incomparable nincompoop!
Freddie.
I like that! If I hadn't asked her, what would have happened? George Nepean would have come in, you'd have plumped down on him with your lie, and what then? Don't you think it's jolly lucky I said what I did?[6]
[ [6] Lady Jess. sits L.C. Sir Chris. puts hat on bookcase C., and comes down C.
Sir C.
It's lucky in this instance. But if I am to embark any further in these imaginative enterprises, I must ask you, Freddie, to keep a silent tongue.
Freddie.
What for?
Sir C.
Well, old fellow, it may be an unpalatable truth to you, but you'll never make a good liar.[7]
[ [7] Lady R. and Lady Jess. agree with Sir C.
Freddie.
Very likely not. But if this sort of thing is going on in my house, I think I ought to.
Lady R.[8]
[ [8] Crosses to him C. Freddie sits R.C. annoyed.
Oh, do subside, Freddie, do subside!
Lady J.[9]
[ [9] 5th call. George.
Yes, George—and perhaps Gilbert—will be here directly. Oh, will somebody tell me what to do?