Thomas. [Announcing clearly. Everyone changes place, in consternation, amusement or surprise. Cynthia moves to leave the room, but stops for fear of attracting Karslake's attention.] Mr. John Karslake!
Enter Karslake. He is a powerful, generous personality, a man of affairs, breezy, gay and careless. He gives the impression of being game for any fate in store for him. His clothes indicate sporting propensities and his taste in waistcoats and ties is brilliant. Karslake sees first Philip and then Matthew. Thomas goes out.
Philip. How do you do?
John. [Very gay and no respecter of persons.] Good-afternoon, Mr. Phillimore. Hello—here's the church! [Crossing to Matthew and shaking hands. He slaps him on the back.] I hadn't the least idea—how are you? By George, your reverence, that was a racy sermon of yours on Divorce! What was your text? [Sees Vida and bows, very politely.] Galatians 4:2, "The more the merrier," or "Who next?" [Smiles.] As the whale said after Jonah! [Cynthia makes a sudden movement, upsetting her tea-cup. John faces about quickly and they face each other. John gives a frank start. A pause holds them.
John. [Astounded, in a low voice.] Mrs. Karslake— [Bowing.] I was not aware of the pleasure in store for me. I understood you were in the country. [Recovering and moving to her chair.] Perhaps you'll be good enough to make me a cup of tea?—that is if the teapot wasn't lost in the scrimmage. [There is another pause. Cynthia, determined to equal him in coolness, returns to the tea-tray.] Mr. Phillimore, I came to get your signature in that matter of Cox vs. Keely.
Philip. I shall be at your service, but pray be seated.
[He indicates a chair by the tea-table.
John. [Sitting beyond but not far from the tea-table.] And I also understood you to say you wanted a saddle-horse.
Philip. You have a mare called—eh—"Cynthia K?"
John. [Promptly.] Yes—she's not for sale.