SCENE—A charming drawing-room. TIME—About 9:30 P.M.
Mr. RIVENLUTE is on a chair by the open window; Mrs. RIVENLUTE on a low stool by his side.
Mrs. R. (for the fiftieth time). I can't ever thank you nearly enough for this lovely ring, JACK dear!
Jack (rather gruffly). Oh, it's all right, Pussy. Glad you like it, I'm sure. Do they mean to bring in the lamps? It's pitch dark.
Mrs. R. I'll ring presently—not just yet. It was so dear of you to remember what day it was!
Jack (who only just remembered it in time, as he was driving home). Been a brute if I hadn't!
Mrs. R. You couldn't be a brute, JACK, if you tried—not to me. I'm so glad we haven't got to go out anywhere to-night, aren't you?
Jack (heartily). Rather! Beastly bore turning out after dinner. What on earth are you up to over there?
Mrs. R. (who has risen, and has apparently been winding up some instrument in the corner—as she returns). Oh, it's only something I wanted to do this evening.... Now, JACK, listen!
[The phonograph begins to click and whirr.