And I’ve got to live in the house with this.
(Dexter goes c., Clara r. at back.)
DEX. (Coming down.) Good-morning, Piffin, goodmorning. Having a quiet whiff?
PIFF. Thank you, sir. My stomach does not permit my indulging in the luxury of a cutty pipe.
DEX. Is Mr. Rollitt about?
PIFF. He has just this minute gone upstairs to dress, sir. I will let him know you are here, sir.
DEX. No hurry—no hurry at all, Piffin. We are before our time. You are not looking well, Piffin.
PIFF. Anxiety, sir. May be anxiety. You see Mr. Rollitt’s unacquaintance with the manners of the beaux esprits throws much responsibility on myself.
DEX. But you must be careful, Piffin. What would he do without you?
PIFF. (Smiling.) Well, I’m afraid he would be a little up a tree, sir, if I may be permitted a vulgarism. (Moving to door l.) I will go and acquaint him with your arrival, sir. (Takes plate from table l., puts pipe on it.) I’ll send him to you directly, sir. (Smells pipe.) Shag! (Exit l.l.)