Sir P. (watch) How long are you likely to be?

Nor. Only a second.

Sir P. That means half-an-hour. I limit my consultations to ten minutes.

Nor. Ten minutes, then.

Sir P. Go on.

Re-enter Kate, R.C. from R., unobserved, stops short on seeing them.

Nor. (sits on sofa) It is about Miss Derwent.

Sir P. Oh, Miss Derwent! (Sir Peter rises, takes snuff-box on mantel—and sits again L.)

Kate. (aside, smiling) He’s talking about me. I should like to know what he thinks of me. It’s a mean thing to do—but I’ll do it—just for fun. (retires into conservatory, and crosses, going off L.U.E.)

Sir P. Well, sir.