GENTLEMAN. Holloa! Somebody’s been moving my things!
LADY. Yes, the guard!—he seemed curious—I might say anxious—to ascertain if your name was on your travelling-bag!
GENTLEMAN. Very inquisitive of him! Why should I make my name public property?—there may be reasons why I should not!—pressing reasons! You can understand that, madam?
LADY. Y—es! I’m afraid I can—I mean, of course I can!
GENTLEMAN. But, as I was saying, the interest you have so kindly taken in me—a perfect stranger—
LADY (very quickly). Not at all, sir; on the contrary! No—that is—
GENTLEMAN. Permit me to continue. That interest, I repeat, comes naturally to you, blessed, as I’m sure you are, with so sweet, so gentle, so affectionate a disposition.
LADY (very quickly). Quite the reverse, I assure you, sir—I’ve a dreadful temper!
GENTLEMAN. Again: that charming hand is not less characteristic; it requires but one glance at those delicately tapered fingers— (About to take her hand; LADY hastily withdraws it.)