You’ve hit it, my lad. (Takes off his hat and wipes his forehead.)
Nora.
Let’s see your hat. It is smart.
Re. Off.
(Flattered, passes it.) There, miss.
(Nora leans over to Loveday and they examine it together. Nora takes off her own and coquettishly tries it on, catches Robert’s eye, he smiles and looks away; catches Gordon’s eye, he gazes admiringly at her, she tosses her head and takes the hat off. Mugs of tea are handed round, the men drink thirstily.)
Varlie.
(Remaining, eagerly listening, leans over to Recruiting Officer.) Say, stranger, are you getting along well with your job?
Re. Off.
(Keenly.) And who are you?