Alma. (turns) How are you, love? Excuse me for not seeing you. I’m so excited. I’ve quite lost my head. I’ve such news for you.
Ned. Well?
Alma. Sir Humphrey’s coming to see you!
Ned. My father!
Alma. I’ve brought him round at last. But hasn’t it been hard work? I’ve been manœuvring for the last three months. I didn’t know there was a man alive I couldn’t twist round my finger in three days.
Ned. He’s coming here to-night?
Alma. So am I. I’ve arranged to bring him—that is, I’ve arranged he’s to bring me. Dick’s new piece is a frost. I thought it would be, and threw up my part. So I’m at liberty, and we’re both coming for the evening.
Ned. Lucy—(Lucy goes up)—you’d better order some more dinner. There’ll be the Dozeys—Potter——
Alma. Mr. Potter coming! Oh, I’m so glad!