Gil. [to the maid]. I told you so. Madame's at home. How do you do, Margaret?
Marg. [astonished]. You?
Gil. It's I—I. Amandus Gilbert.
Marg. I'm so surprised.
Gil. So I see. There's no cause for it. I merely thought I'd stop over. I'm on my way to Italy. I came to offer you my latest book for auld lang syne. [Hands her the book. As she does not take it, he places it on the table.]
Marg. It's very good of you. Thanks!
Gil. You have a certain proprietorship in that book. So you are living here?
Marg. Yes, but—
Gil. Opposite the stadium, I see. As far as furnished rooms go, it's passable enough. But these family portraits on the walls would drive me crazy.
Marg. My housekeeper's the widow of a general.