Winsor.  Of course, he’ll bring a case, when he’s thought it over.

St Erth.  What are we to do in the meantime?

Colford.  If Dancy’s asked to resign, you may take my resignation too.

Borring.  I thought his wanting to f-fight him a bit screeny.

Colford.  Wouldn’t you have wanted a shot at the brute?  A law court? 
Pah!

Winsor.  Yes.  What’ll be his position even if he wins?

Borring.  Damages, and a stain on his c-character.

Winsor.  Quite so, unless they find the real thief.  People always believe the worst.

Colford. [Glaring at Borring] They do.

Canynge.  There is no decent way out of a thing of this sort.

St Erth.  No. [Rising] It leaves a bad taste.  I’m sorry for young Mrs
Dancy—­poor woman!

Borring.  Are you going to play any more?

St Erth. [Abruptly] No, sir.  Good night to you.  Canynge, can I give you a lift?

     He goes out, followed by Canynge.  Borring.

[After a slight pause] Well, I shall go and take the t-temperature of the Club.

     He goes out.

Colford.  Damn that effeminate stammering chap!  What can we do for Dancy, Winsor?

Winsor.  Colford! [A slight pause] The General felt his coat sleeve that night, and it was wet.

Colford.  Well!  What proof’s that?  No, by George!  An old school-fellow, a brother officer, and a pal.

Winsor.  If he did do it—­

Colford.  He didn’t.  But if he did, I’d stick to him, and see him through it, if I could.

     Winsor walks over to the fire, stares into it, turns round and
     stares at Colford, who is standing motionless.

Colford.  Yes, by God!

Curtain.

Scene II
     [note.—­This should be a small set capable of being set quickly
     within that of the previous scene.]

Morning of the following day.  The Dancys’ flat.  In the sitting-room of this small abode Mabel Dancy and Margaret Orme are sitting full face to the audience, on a couch in the centre of the room, in front of the imaginary window.  There is a fireplace, Left, with fire burning; a door below it, Left; and a door on the Right, facing the audience, leads to a corridor and the outer door of the flat, which is visible.  Their voices are heard in rapid exchange; then as the curtain rises, so does Mabel.

Mabel.  But it’s monstrous!

Margaret.  Of course! [She lights a cigarette and hands the case to Mabel, who, however, sees nothing but her own thoughts] De Levis might just as well have pitched on me, except that I can’t jump more than six inches in these skirts.