ACT IV.
Scene. The scene is laid in John Karslake's study and smoking-room. There is a bay window on the left. A door on the left leads to stairs and the front of the house, while a door at the back leads to the dining-room. A fireplace and a mantel are on the right. A bookcase contains law and sporting books. On the wall is a full-length portrait of Cynthia. Nothing of this portrait is seen by audience except the gilt frame and a space of canvas. A large table with writing materials is littered over with law books, sporting books, papers, pipes, crops, a pair of spurs, &c. A wedding ring lies on it. There are three very low easy-chairs. The general appearance of the room is extremely gay and garish in colour. It has the easy confusion of a man's room. There is a small table on which, lying open, is a woman's sewing-basket, and, beside it, a piece of rich fancy work, as if a lady had just risen from sewing. Laid on the further end of it are a lady's gloves. On a chair-back is a lady's hat. It is a half hour later than the close of Act III. Curtains are drawn over the window. A lamp on the table is lighted, as are, too, the various electric lights. One chair is conspicuously standing on its head.
Nogam is busy at the larger table. The door into the dining-room is half open.
Sir Wilfrid. [Coming in from the dining-room.] Eh—what did you say your name was?
Nogam. Nogam, sir.
Sir Wilfrid. Nogam? I've been here thirty minutes. Where are the cigars? [Nogam motions to a small table near the entrance door.] Thank you. Nogam, Mr. Karslake was to have followed us here, immediately. [He lights a cigar.
Nogam. Mr. Karslake just now 'phoned from his club [Sir Wilfrid walks toward the front of the room.], and he's on his way home, sir.
Sir Wilfrid. Nogam, why is that chair upside down?
Nogam. Our orders, sir.
Vida. [Speaking as she comes in.] Oh, Wilfrid! [Sir Wilfrid turns. Vida coming slowly toward him.] I can't be left longer alone with the lobster! He reminds me too much of Phillimore!