Merton. I hope so—I want it most dreadfully.

Kirstin [surprised]. Do you?

Merton. I have hardly any—that's one of my difficulties.

Kirstin. What a pity.

Merton. Oh, well, it'll come all right, I daresay, when I'm back in London and can start work.

Kirstin [looking at paper]. When you're back at 147 Devonshire Street—

[Enter Thwaite. Kirstin puts the paper back in her pocket].

Thwaite. Kirstin, the black ewe's missing.

Kirstin [quietly]. What, again? I'll go and seek her.

Thwaite. You had better. Well, Mr Merton, I suppose you'll just be about starting? [Evidently waiting for Merton to leave].