Carve.  It’s from Lord Leonard Alcar.  He says if we’ll go up and see him to-morrow afternoon he’ll be very much obliged indeed, and he may be able to be of assistance to us.

Janet. (Deeply impressed.) Lord Leonard Al ...  Where’s the letter?  (Searches for it hurriedly.  As she reads it.) Well I never!  (Reading) “And Mrs. Shawn.”  I’ve got nothing to go in.

Carve.  Oh, I shan’t go!

Janet.  Why not?

Carve.  Well, what about this trip to the Continent?

Janet.  Continent fiddlesticks.  I’ve never been asked to go and see a
Lord before....

Carve.  Now listen, Jane.  What earthly good can it do?  I shan’t go.

Janet.  I shall.  So there!  Six Dukes in the family!  I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

Curtain.

ACT IV

SCENE I

Lord Leonard Alcar’s study, Grosvenor Gardens.  Door, back centre. 
Door, L. Janet’s portrait is conspicuous on a wall.

Time.—­The next afternoon.

     Lord Leonard Alcar and Mr. Texel are coming into the room from
     door at back.

Alcar.  You still go on collecting, Mr. Texel?

Texel. (Uncertain of his steps.) Well, yes.  I’ve been amusing myself with pictures for pretty nigh forty years.  Why should I deprive myself of this pleasure merely because my eyesight’s gone?

Alcar.  Why, indeed!  You have the true collecting spirit.  Permit me (directs Texel’s hand to chair).

Texel.  Thanks, I’m on to it (Sitting down.) My sight’s going steadily worse, but there are still a few things that I can make out pretty clearly, Lord Leonard.  Motor omnibuses, cathedrals, English easy-chairs....

Alcar.  Well, I’m charmed to find you in such good spirits, and really I feel very grateful to you for accepting my invitation.

Texel.  Delighted to make your acquaintance, sir.  Two old collectors like us—­rivals at Christie’s.  I wonder how many times I’ve cabled over instructions to my agent to smash you at any cost.  Delighted to meet you, Lord Leonard.

Alcar.  We ought to have met earlier, Mr. Texel.  Now I’ve got you here, I must tell you I’ve ventured to invite one or two—­er—­kindred spirits to meet you.

     (Enter servant.)

Servant.  Mr. Ebag.

     (Enter Ebag.)

     (Exit servant).

Alcar.  How d’you do, Ebag?

Ebag.  My lord.

Alcar.  Let me introduce you to Mr. Texel.  Mr. Texel, this is Mr. Ebag.

Texel. (Surprised—­aside to lord Leonard Alcar.) This one of your kindred spirits?

Ebag. (Also surprised?) Mr. Texel!