I wish I had as much chance of getting a shot at those cock pheasants as you have.

Colonel Wharton.

By George, I wish I were twenty years younger. I’d take my chance of being shot by a German. It’s a bit better than dying like a rat in a trap.

[Kate enters to announce the Vicar and Mrs. Poole.

Kate.

Mr. and Mrs. Poole.

[Exit.

Mrs. Wharton.

How do you do?

[There are general greetings. The Colonel looks at them and from them to his wife, suspiciously. The Pooles are rather cold with Mrs. Littlewood.