Press.  Well, speaking as a Socialist——­

Poulder. [Astounded] Why; I thought your paper was Tory!

Press.  So it is.  That’s nothing!

Poulder. [Open-mouthed] Dear me! [Pointing to the bomb] Do you really think there’s something in this?

James. [Sepulchrally] ’Igh explosive.

Press. [Taking out his note-book] Too much, anyway, to let it drop.

     [A pleasant voice calls “Poulder!  Hallo!".]

Poulder. [Forming a trumpet with his hand] Me Lord!

[As lord William appears, James, overcome by reminiscences; salutes, and is mechanically answered.  Lord William has “charm.”  His hair and moustache are crisp and just beginning to grizzle.  His bearing is free, easy, and only faintly armoured.  He will go far to meet you any day.  He is in full evening dress.]

Lord W. [Cheerfully] I say, Poulder, what have you and James been doing to the Press?  Liberty of the Press—­it isn’t what it was, but there is a limit.  Where is he?

     [He turns to Jams between whom and himself there is still the
     freemasonry of the trenches.]

James. [Pointing to Poulder] Be’ind the parapet, me Lord.

     [The press mopes out from where he has involuntarily been.
     screened by Poulder, who looks at James severely.  Lord William
     hides a smile.]

Press.  Very glad to meet you, Lord William.  My presence down here is quite involuntary.

Lord W. [With a charming smile] I know.  The Press has to put its—­ er—­to go to the bottom of everything.  Where’s this bomb, Poulder?  Ah!

     [He looks into the wine cooler.]

Press. [Taking out his note-book] Could I have a word with you on the crisis, before dinner, Lord William?

Lord W. It’s time you and James were up, Poulder. [Indicating the cooler] Look after this; tell Lady William I’ll be there in a minute.

Poulder.  Very good, me Lord.

     [He goes, followed by James carrying the cooler.]

     [As the press turns to look after them, lord William catches
     sight of his back.]

Lord W. I must apologise, sir.  Can I brush you?

Press. [Dusting himself] Thanks; it’s only behind. [He opens his note-book] Now, Lord William, if you’d kindly outline your views on the national situation; after such a narrow escape from death, I feel they might have a moral effect.  My paper, as you know, is concerned with—­the deeper aspect of things.  By the way, what do you value your house and collection at?

Lord W. [Twisting his little mustache] Really:  I can’t!  Really!