Parbury.
[C., speaking as they enter.] Quite a mistake! I assure you, my dear fellow, my wife gave orders that I was not to be disturbed, thinking I was engaged upon an important piece of work.
Gunning.
[Looking at Miss Woodward.] Won’t you present me to Mrs.——
Parbury.
[Hastily.] To Miss Woodward, my secretary—certainly! Mr. Gunning, Miss Woodward. [They bow. Miss Woodward moves to go.] Don’t go, Miss Woodward. [Crosses to top of table, R.C. Gunning puts his hat and gloves on chair, L.] You might very kindly get rid of some of this correspondence for me. [Takes a bundle of letters from desk.] “Dear Sir,—I would esteem it a great favour if you would send me your photograph, together with your autograph.” [Throws letter aside, and reads another.] “My dear Sir,—I have read with the deepest interest and the highest pleasure your deservedly successful novel, ‘The Overthrow of Harvey Masterton,’ and feel convinced that if you knew the story of my life——” [Repeats business.] No one can deal with these people like Miss Woodward.
Gunning.
[Taking off his gloves.] What is your method, Miss Woodward?
Miss Woodward.
It is Mr. Parbury’s—perfect civility, consistent with finality.