Hastings. Yes, your Grace. His train will be in by now. I have sent the trap.
Duke. Thank you. [Turning to the other two.] My nephew, Dr. Grimthorpe, Morris, you know, Miss Carleon's brother from America. I hear he's been doing great things out there. Petrol, or something. Must move with the times, eh?
Doctor. I'm afraid Mr. Smith doesn't always agree with moving with the times.
Duke. Oh, come, come! Progress, you know, progress! Of course I know how busy you are; you mustn't overwork yourself, you know. Hastings was telling me you laughed over those subscriptions of mine. Well, well, I believe in looking at both sides of a question, you know. Aspects, as old Buffle called them. Aspects. [With an all-embracing gesture of the arm.] You represent the tendency to drink in moderation, and you do good in your way. The Doctor represents the tendency not to drink at all; and he does good in his way. We can't be Ancient Britons, you know.
[A prolonged and puzzled silence, such as always follows the more abrupt of the Duke's associations or disassociations of thought.
Smith. [At last, faintly.] Ancient Britons....
Doctor. [To Smith in a low voice.] Don't bother. It's only his broad-mindedness.
Duke. [With unabated cheerfulness.] I saw the place you're putting up for it, Mr. Smith. Very good work. Very good work, indeed. Art for the people, eh? I particularly liked that woodwork over the west door—I'm glad to see you're using the new sort of graining ... why, it all reminds one of the French Revolution.
[Another silence. As the Duke lounges alertly about the room, Smith speaks to the Doctor in an undertone.
Smith. Does it remind you of the French Revolution?