Sir Patrick.  Well, thats two wives to start with.

B. B. Now upon my soul I dont want to be uncharitable; but really I’m beginning to suspect that our young friend is rather careless.

Sir Patrick.  Beginning to think!  How long will it take you, man, to find out that he’s a damned young blackguard?

Blenkinsop.  Oh, thats severe, Sir Patrick, very severe.  Of course it’s bigamy; but still he’s very young; and she’s very pretty.  Mr Walpole:  may I spunge on you for another of those nice cigarets of yours? [He changes his seat for the one next Walpole].

Walpole.  Certainly. [He feels in his pockets].  Oh bother!  Where—? [Suddenly remembering] I say:  I recollect now:  I passed my cigaret case to Dubedat and he didnt return it.  It was a gold one.

The maid.  He didnt mean any harm:  he never thinks about things like that, sir.  I’ll get it back for you, sir, if youll tell me where to find him.

Ridgeon.  What am I to do?  Shall I give her the address or not?

Sir Patrick.  Give her your own address; and then we’ll see. [To the maid] Youll have to be content with that for the present, my girl. [Ridgeon gives her his card].  Whats your name?

The maid.  Minnie Tinwell, sir.

Sir Patrick.  Well, you write him a letter to care of this gentleman; and it will be sent on.  Now be off with you.

The maid.  Thank you, sir.  I’m sure you wouldnt see me wronged.  Thank you all, gentlemen; and excuse the liberty.

She goes into the hotel.  They match her in silence.

Ridgeon [when she is gone] Do you realize, chaps, that we have promised Mrs Dubedat to save this fellow’s life?

Blenkinsop.  Whats the matter with him?

Ridgeon.  Tuberculosis.

Blenkinsop [interested] And can you cure that?

Ridgeon.  I believe so.

Blenkinsop.  Then I wish youd cure me.  My right lung is touched,
I’m sorry to say.

Ridgeon } { What!  Your lung is going? 
B.B } { My dear Blenkinsop, what do you
              } [all { tell me? [full of concern for
              } together] { Blenkinsop he comes back from the
              } { balustrade]. 
Sir Patrick } { Eh?  Eh?  Whats that? 
Walpole } { Hullo, you mustn’t neglect this,
              } { you know.

Blenkinsop [putting his fingers in his ears] No, no:  it’s no use.  I know what youre going to say:  Ive said it often to others.  I cant afford to take care of myself; and theres an end of it.  If a fortnight’s holiday would save my life, I’d have to die.  I shall get on as others have to get on.  We cant all go to St Moritz or to Egypt, you know, Sir Ralph.  Dont talk about it.