Texel. (Holding out his hand towards Ebag, who takes it.) Well, Mr. Ebag, I’ve made a special journey to Europe to get a verdict from an English court that you’ve done me up for about thirty thousand dollars, and if I get it I’ll do my level best afterwards to see you safe into prison; but in the meantime I’m very glad to meet you.  I feel sure you’re one of the right sort, whatever you are.

Ebag.  You flatter me, Mr. Texel.  The gladness is mutual.

     (Enter servant.)

Servant.  Mr. Cyrus Carve.  Mr. and Mrs. X.

     (Enter Janet.  She hesitates in doorway.  Lord Leonard Alcar
     goes to meet her.)

Janet.  You Lord Alcar?

Alcar.  I am Lord Leonard Alcar?

Janet.  My mistake! (They shake hands.) But why does this young man call me Mrs. X. I told him Carve, plain enough.

Alcar.  Did he?  A slip—­a slip!  You’ve brought your husband?

Janet.  Yes, but not so easily as all that.  I’m afraid he’s quarrelling out there with Mr. Cyrus Carve.  They get across one another on the stairs.

Alcar.  Tut-tut.  Excuse me one moment.

     (Exit hurriedly.)

     (Exit servant.)

Janet.  Mr. Ebag!  So you’re here too!  Why, it’s a family party.

Ebag. (Astounded.) How do you do, Mrs. Shawn?  I beg pardon, Mrs. Carve.

Janet.  It seems I’m Mrs. X now—­didn’t you hear?

Ebag.  I expect the servant had received instructions.  His lordship has a great reputation for wit, you know.

Janet. (Looking round.) And what’s this room supposed to be?

Ebag.  Oh, the study, probably.

Janet.  Really!  Not what you’d call ‘homely,’ is it?  Rather like being on the stage.

     (Enter lord Leonard Alcar, leading carve on his right and
     Cyrus on his left.  Servant closes door from without.)

Alcar.  Now we’re all safely here, and I fancy there will be enough easy-chairs to go round.  Mr. Texel, you already know Mr. Cyrus Carve, and you will be pleased to meet the talented artist who painted the pictures which you have been buying from Mr. Ebag.  He has most kindly consented to be called Mr. X for the moment.  This is Mrs. X, Mr. Texel.

     (They bow—­Cyrus shakes hands with Texel.)

Ebag. (To Cyrus.) How d’you do?

Cyrus.  How d’you do?

Carve.  How d’you do?

Alcar. (Observing that these three are already acquainted.) Good! 
Excellent!  Now, Mrs.—­er—­X, will you have this chair near the fire? 
(Fixes chair for her.)

Texel. (Indicating Janet, aside to Ebag.) Good looking?

Ebag. (Aside to Texel.) Very agreeable little thing!