Wellwyn.  Good!  When was that?

Megan. [Stoically.] When she ’ad the measles.

     [He drinks.]

Wellwyn. [Ruminating.] I see—­yes.  I quite see feverish!

Bertley.  My dear Wellwyn, let me—­[To, Megan.] Now, I hope you’re willing to come together again, and to maintain her?

Megan.  If she’ll maintain me.

Bertley.  Oh! but—­I see, you mean you’re in the same line of business?

Megan.  Yus.

Bertley.  And lean on each other.  Quite so!

Megan.  I leans on ’er mostly—­with ’er looks.

Bertley.  Indeed!  Very interesting—­that!

Megan.  Yus.  Sometimes she’ll take ’arf a crown off of a toff. [He looks at Wellwyn.]

Wellwyn. [Twinkling.] I apologise to you, Megan.

Megan. [With a faint smile.] I could do with a bit more of it.

Bertley. [Dubiously.] Yes!  Yes!  Now, my boy, I’ve heard you bet on horses.

Megan.  No, I don’t.

Bertley.  Play cards, then?  Come!  Don’t be afraid to acknowledge it.

Megan.  When I’m ’ard up—­yus.

Bertley.  But don’t you know that’s ruination?

Megan.  Depends.  Sometimes I wins a lot.

Bertley.  You know that’s not at all what I mean.  Come, promise me to give it up.

Megan.  I dunno abaht that.

Bertley.  Now, there’s a good fellow.  Make a big effort and throw the habit off!

Megan.  Comes over me—­same as it might over you.

Bertley.  Over me!  How do you mean, my boy?

Megan. [With a look up.] To tork!

     [Wellwyn, turning to the picture, makes a funny little noise.]

Bertley. [Maintaining his good humour.] A hit!  But you forget, you know, to talk’s my business.  It’s not yours to gamble.

Megan.  You try sellin’ flowers.  If that ain’t a—­gamble

Bertley.  I’m afraid we’re wandering a little from the point.  Husband and wife should be together.  You were brought up to that.  Your father and mother——­

Megan.  Never was.

Wellwyn. [Turning from the picture.] The question is, Megan:  Will you take your wife home?  She’s a good little soul.

Megan.  She never let me know it.

     [There is a feeble knock on the door.]

Wellwyn.  Well, now come.  Here she is!

     [He points to the door, and stands regarding Megan with his
     friendly smile.]

Megan. [With a gleam of responsiveness.] I might, perhaps, to please you, sir.

Bertley. [Appropriating the gesture.] Capital, I thought we should get on in time.