[She goes out. Dick, chuckling, lights a cigarette. Alec comes in and lies down lazily on the sofa.

Alec.

Why, Dick, what's the matter? You look as pleased as Punch.

Dick.

My dear fellow, I feel like the Terrible Turk. I've been wrestling, and I thought I was going to have a fall. But by the display of considerable agility I've managed to keep my legs.

Alec.

What do you mean?

Dick.

Nothing. It's merely the gaiety of forty-two.

[Boulger comes into the room, followed immediately by Mallins and Carbery. He starts slightly when he sees Alec, but then goes over to the table on which is the whiskey.