MELISANDE (indicating a seat next to her).  Come and sit here, Bobby.

BOBBY (who was making for JANE).  Oh—­er—­righto. (He sits down.)

MR. KNOWLE (to GERVASE).  And how did the dance go last night?

JANE.  Oh, were you at a dance?  How lovely!

MELISANDE.  Dance?

MR. KNOWLE.  And a fancy dress dance, too, Sandy. You ought to have been there.

MELISANDE (understanding).  Ah!

MRS. KNOWLE.  My daughter is devoted to dancing, Mr. Mallory.  Dances so beautifully, they all say.

BOBBY.  Where was it?

GERVASE.  Collingham.

MR. KNOWLE.  And did they all fall in love with you?  You ought to have seen him, Sandy.

GERVASE.  Well, I’m afraid I never got there.

MR. KNOWLE.  Dear, dear. . . .  Peters is in love just now. . . .  I hope he didn’t give you cider in mistake for petrol.

MRS. KNOWLE.  You have a car, Mr. Mallory?

GERVASE.  Yes.

MRS. KNOWLE.  Ah! (to MELISANDE) Won’t Mr. Mallory have some more tea,
Sandy?

MELISANDE.  Will you have some more tea, Mr. Mallory?

GERVASE.  Thank you. (to MRS. KNOWLE) Won’t you——­

(He begins to get up.)

MRS. KNOWLE. Please don’t trouble.  I never have more than one cup. 
Dr. Anderson is very firm about that.  Only one cup, Mrs. Knowle.

BOBBY (to MELISANDE).  Sandwich?  Oh, you’re busy.  Sandwich, Jane?

JANE (taking one).  Thank you.

BOBBY (to GERVASE).  Sandwich?

GERVASE.  Thank you.

BOBBY (to MR. KNOWLE).  Sandwich?

MR. KNOWLE.  Thank you, Bobby.  Fortunately nobody minds what I eat or drink.

BOBBY (to himself).  Sandwich, Mr. Coote?  Thank you. (He takes one.)

MRS. KNOWLE (to GERVASE).  Being such an invalid, Mr. Mallory, it is a great comfort to me to have Melisande to look after the house.

GERVASE.  I am sure it is.

MRS. KNOWLE.  Of course, I can’t expect to keep her for ever.

MELISANDE (coldly).  More tea, Jane?

JANE.  Thank you, dear.

MRS. KNOWLE.  It’s extraordinary how she has taken to it.  I must say that I do like a girl to be a good housekeeper.  Don’t you agree, Mr. Mallory?

GERVASE.  Well, of course, all that sort of thing is rather important.

MRS. KNOWLE.  That’s what I always tell Sandy.  “Happiness begins in the kitchen, Sandy.”

MELISANDE.  I’m sure Mr. Mallory agrees with you, Mother.

GERVASE (laughing).  Well, one must eat.

BOBBY (passing plate).  Have another sandwich?

GERVASE (taking one).  Thanks.

MRS. KNOWLE.  Do you live in the neighbourhood, Mr. Mallory?

GERVASE.  About twenty miles away.  Little Malling.

JANE (helpfully).  Oh, yes.

MRS. KNOWLE.  Well, I hope we shall see you here again.