[Loud burst of laughter.
CURTAIN
ACT III.
Peter's rooms in the Temple. Door extreme right centre, with the passage beyond visible with telephone on its wall when the door is open. Door left. Fireplace centre, with low fire shining dully in the darkened room. Bookcase right. Below it, table with inkstand. Blue books, etc., and revolving chair. Arm-chairs, left and right of fireplace. Sofa left, between fireplace and door. Heavy carpet. The whole appointments indicate comfort and taste, as understood in Tottenham Court Road: there is nothing individual about them.
As the curtain rises the room is in darkness, except for the glow from the fire, and the telephone bell right is ringing. After a moment's pause the outside door opens; then Peter in a lounge suit, overcoat, and bowler hat opens the door right and turns on the electric light. He speaks as he looks off right. His self-confidence has increased. He is, in fact, coarsened and even brazen at times.
Peter. Come in here. (Freddie and Gladys follow him in. Peter stands by door.) Make yourselves at home for two minutes. That's my telephone ringing like mad.
[Exit Peter hurriedly, closing the door. Bell ceases ringing. Gladys is in winter costume with furs. Freddie, in heavy overcoat with hat in hand and a cane which he swings as he stands centre, surveying the room in astonishment.