FANNY (impatiently)

Mother—

MRS. FELIX

I only wish there was some one to save the poor boy from you, Fanny—I do, indeed!

[A ring is heard at the door and Vanillity goes to open it. Noel Onfroy enters. He has pointed beard, twirling moustache, pointed hands, hair cut en brosse; wears black velvet jacket, rich red tie, riding trouserss with white Bedford cords, black patent-leather boots; bare-headed; he is smoking a pipe.

MAGNUS

I intended running in on you in a moment, my boy—

ONFROY (nodding to all)

Where is the Chub? (Nods toward laboratory) Elixir-of-lifing? (With real pleasure) How are you, Charlotte Corday? (Shakes Mrs. Felix’s hand) Where do you buy those pink cheeks? I couldn’t paint better ones myself.

MRS. FELIX