(MRS. MORLAND taps warningly.)

MR. MORLAND. I didn’t mean that, George. I am sure that you will be delighted. What do you think of this?

(He produces a water-colour which his friend examines at arm’s length.)

Let me hold it out for you as your arms are so short.

(The offer is declined.)

MR. AMY (with a sinking). Very nice. What do you call it?

MR. MORLAND. Have you any doubt? I haven’t the slightest. I am sure that it is an early Turner.

MR. AMY (paling). Turner!

MR. MORLAND. What else can it be? Holman suggested a Gurton or even a Dayes. Absurd! Why, Dayes was only a glorified drawing-master. I flatter myself I can’t make a mistake about a Turner. There is something about a Turner difficult to define, but unmistakable, an absolute something. It is a charming view, too; Kirkstall Abbey obviously.

MR. AMY. Rivaulx, I am convinced.