CHARLEY. Why not? Why not? If I put it off, I’ll never go. It wants a bit of doing, and if you don’t do these things at the time, well, you give in. I’ve packed a bag with some things—I did it this morning.

TENNANT. That’s why you were up so early—

CHARLEY. I have written a note to Lil. [Argumentatively.] It’s the only thing to do—there’s no other way—I say, Freddy, you’ll stand by me? It’s easy for chaps like you—

LESLIE MORTON crosses behind sitting-room window.

TENNANT. [uneasily.] Well—you know best—

CHARLEY. Of course—it’s the only thing—

The door opens and voices can be heard outside, laughing.

Who’s this coming? It’s that ass. . . .

He rises as MAGGIE, LILY and MORTON LESLIE enter.