ROBERT.
[Lays the roses carelessly on a chair out of sight.] Is nobody in?
BRIGID.
Yes, sir. Sit down, sir. They’ll be here now any moment. The master was here.
[She looks about her and with a half curtsey goes out on the right.]
ROBERT.
[After a short silence.] How are you, Beatty? And how are all down in Youghal? As dull as ever?
BEATRICE.
They were well when I left.
ROBERT.
[Politely.] O, but I’m sorry I did not know you were coming. I would have met you at the train. Why did you do it? You have some queer ways about you, Beatty, haven’t you?
BEATRICE.
[In the same tone.] Thank you, Robert. I am quite used to getting about alone.
ROBERT.
Yes, but I mean to say... O, well, you have arrived in your own characteristic way.
[A noise is heard at the window and a boy’s voice is heard calling, ‘Mr Hand!’ Robert turns.]
By Jove, Archie, too, is arriving in a characteristic way!