BLENKINSOP. Then I wish youd cure me. My right lung is touched, I’m sorry to say.
RIDGEON } [all together] { What! Your lung is going?
B.B } { My dear Blenkinsop, what do you tell me? [full of concern for Blenkinsop he comes back from the balustrade].
SIR PATRICK } { Eh? Eh? Whats that?
WALPOLE } { Hullo, you mustn’t neglect this, you know.
BLENKINSOP [putting his fingers in his ears] No, no: it’s no use. I know what youre going to say: Ive said it often to others. I cant afford to take care of myself; and theres an end of it. If a fortnight’s holiday would save my life, I’d have to die. I shall get on as others have to get on. We cant all go to St Moritz or to Egypt, you know, Sir Ralph. Dont talk about it.
Embarrassed silence.
SIR PATRICK [grunts and looks hard at Ridgeon]!
SCHUTZMACHER [looking at his watch and rising] I must go. It’s been a very pleasant evening, Colly. You might let me have my portrait if you dont mind. I’ll send Mr Dubedat that couple of sovereigns for it.
RIDGEON [giving him the menu card] Oh dont do that, Loony. I dont think he’d like that.