Fred. Yes, it does. If you won't tell Mr. Garside why you're here, I will.
Mar. (appealingly). Please don't. (Proudly.) My personal affairs are no concern of Mr. Garside's.
Peter. And meantime let me tell you, sir, that your ardour to defend the lady only makes bad worse.
Fred. Good Lord! I always said politicians were people who hadn't the brains to be frivolous, but I never knew they were quite so stupid. Why, man—————-
[Enter Lady Mottram and Gladys. Fred stops abruptly.
Lady M. (sweetly). So pleased you've come, Mr. Gar-side.
Peter (quite sure of himself). Good evening, Lady Mottram.
Lady M. Mr. Garside, my daughter. (Gladys meets Peter's eyes and bows; he starts perceptibly.) So sorry Sir Jasper isn't here to welcome you, but I hope my son's made you feel quite at home.
Fred. We've talked like brothers.
Lady M. (realising Margaret's presence). Miss Shaw-eross, I think I told you you could go. Will you ring, Freddie?