Pil. Cook is most punctual. If some trivial hitch has occurred this morning, I daresay a perfectly reasonable explanation will be forthcoming. (takes "Sporting Life" off table)
Gan. Kidneys was late! (at table)
Pil. Kidneys was late! (to Lucy)—er—were late. I knew it! That man Skeggs' meat—which I more than suspect of being colonial—is never delivered in time. (to Gandy) Explain to Cook that the delay is of no consequence, and beg her not to hurry.
Gan. (speaking as he goes) She won't hurry! (he goes into the house; Pil. and Lucy look at each other; Pil. then opens paper and sees his mistake.)
Pil. (takes "Standard" from Lucy) If I shall not be depriving you of the "Standard"——?
Lucy. Not at all! (she picks up "Sporting Life") I'll have a look at Jack's "Sporting Life."
Pil. (crossing to table, turn to her) By the way, during the—I trust—brief interval of time that must elapse before your marriage with Captain Dorvaston, you might hint to him that the newspaper he favours is at variance with the general tone of a pious household.
Lucy. I'll mention it.
Pil. I am obliged to you. (crosses and sits L.)
(Miss Pillenger comes out through French window.)