POM. My dear Vane, remember it is a lady’s secret—the only thing in the world one is bound to keep, except one’s temper, which, by-the-bye, you’re losing rapidly.
VANE (aside). He spoke of griefs and suspicions to be forgiven and forgotten. Mabel has left my house. (crosses to C.) Sir Charles Pomander, I insist on knowing who this lady is. If it is as I fear, I have the best right to ask.
POM. But the worst right to be answered.
VANE. How am I to construe this tone, sir?
POM. Do as we did at school with a troublesome passage—don’t construe it at all.
VANE. Sir Charles Pomander, you are impertinent.
POM. My dear Vane, you are in a passion.
VANE. By heaven, sir——
TRIP. Gentlemen, gentlemen, I give you my word. Mr. Vane, she does not know of Sir Charles Pomander’s presence here.