JOHN. Yes. It was lent to little Mamie Scott by the Rajah of Changpoor. She took a fancy to the necklace, and he lent it to her to wear just for the evening. There was a big crush as we came out of the club last night, and Mamie asked me to put the necklace in my pocket for safety’s sake, as the clasp was broken, which I did, of course. Apparently we both forgot all about it. She’ll be in an awful stew. She promised faithfully to return the necklace to the Rajah to-day.
TULLY. Oh, dear, dear, dear!
JOHN. Oh, damn, damn, damn! What can I do? What can I say? What will Mamie think of me.
(TULLY is twiddling the chair R.C. about.)
Oh, don’t footle about with that chair!
TULLY (stops footling). Is there no way of getting it back from Mrs. Ayers.
JOHN. I tell you she’ll never part with it, and she may not be home for several days, possibly a week. In the meantime the Rajah will be clamouring for his pearls . . . I shall be branded as a—well, there’s no telling what it may lead to. Great Heavens! What a hole to be in!
(Crossing to chair L. down stage.)
TULLY. Couldn’t you tell Miss Fluffie Scott you’ve lost it and buy her another.
JOHN. Didn’t you hear me say that necklace cost five hundred pounds?