[He drinks the cup of tea standing by the tea-table.

Philip. [To make conversation.] You're selling your country place?

John. If I was long of hair—I'd sell that.

Cynthia. [Excited. Taken out of herself by the news.] You're not really selling your stable?

John. [Finishes his tea, places the empty cup on the tea-table, and reseats himself.] Every gelding I've got—seven foals and a donkey! I don't mean the owner.

Cynthia. [Still interested and forgetting the discomfort of the situation.] How did you ever manage to come such a cropper?

John. Streak of blue luck!

Cynthia. [Quickly.] I don't see how it's possible—

John. You would if you'd been there. You remember the head man? [Sitting down.] Bloke?

Cynthia. Of course!