Jack (who feels sufficiently solemnised). Well, if you ask me, I think they'll keep till next year. Pity to disturb the effect of that last, eh?
SECOND ANNIVERARY—1894.
Same Scene and Time. Mrs. RIVENLUTE discovered alone.
Mrs. R. He might at least have made some allusion to the day—it would have been only decent! He can't possibly have forgotten! I don't know, though, very likely he has.... Well, I'm not going to remind him! I suppose he means to stay downstairs, smoking, as usual, all the evening. Oh, if I could only make him ashamed of himself just once!... I know! Uncle JOHN'S phonograph! He can't help hearing that. (She winds it up, as JACK R. enters, yawning.) Dear me, this is an unexpected honour. (Softening slightly.) Have you come up to keep me company—for once?
Jack. Well, to tell you the truth, my dear, I fancy I left the evening paper here. An, there it is.
[He seizes it, and prepares to go.
Mrs. R. You can read it here, if you like, you know—I don't mind your smoking.
Jack. Thanks—but it's cosier in the study.
Mrs. R. Of course I know that any place where I don't happen to be is cosier in your opinion.
Jack. Oh, hang it, don't begin all that again—there, I'll stay! (He chooses a comfortable chair.) What the doose is that?