Bobby and Margaret enter rather more shyly, but evidently in high spirits.  Bobby places himself near his father, on the hearthrug, and presently slips down into the arm-chair.

MARGARET.  How do you do, Mrs. Gilbey? [She posts herself behind her mother].

Duvallet comes in behaving himself perfectly.  Knox follows.

MARGARET.  Oh—­let me introduce.  My friend Lieutenant Duvallet.  Mrs Gilbey.  Mr Gilbey. [Duvallet bows and sits down on Mr Knox’s left, Juggins placing a chair for him].

DORA.  Now, Bobby:  introduce me:  theres a dear.

BOBBY. [a little nervous about it; but trying to keep up his spirits] Miss Delaney:  Mr and Mrs Knox. [Knox, as he resumes his seat, acknowledges the introduction suspiciously.  Mrs Knox bows gravely, looking keenly at Dora and taking her measure without prejudice].

DORA.  Pleased to meet you. [Juggins places the baby rocking-chair for her on Mrs Gilbey’s right, opposite Mrs Knox].  Thank you. [She sits and turns to Mrs Gilbey] Bobby’s given me the squiffer. [To the company generally] Do you know what theyve been doing downstairs? [She goes off into ecstasies of mirth].  Youd never guess.  Theyve been trying to teach me table manners.  The Lieutenant and Rudolph say I’m a regular pig.  I’m sure I never knew there was anything wrong with me.  But live and learn [to Gilbey] eh, old dear?

JUGGINS.  Old dear is not correct, Miss Delaney. [He retires to the end of the sideboard nearest the door].

DORA.  Oh get out!  I must call a man something.  He doesnt mind:  do you, Charlie?

MRS GILBEY.  His name isnt Charlie.

DORA.  Excuse me.  I call everybody Charlie.

JUGGINS.  You mustnt.

DORA.  Oh, if I were to mind you, I should have to hold my tongue altogether; and then how sorry youd be!  Lord, how I do run on!  Dont mind me, Mrs Gilbey.

KNOX.  What I want to know is, whats to be the end of this?  It’s not for me to interfere between you and your son, Gilbey:  he knows his own intentions best, no doubt, and perhaps has told them to you.  But Ive my daughter to look after; and it’s my duty as a parent to have a clear understanding about her.  No good is ever done by beating about the bush.  I ask Lieutenant—­well, I dont speak French; and I cant pronounce the name—­

MARGARET.  Mr Duvallet, father.

KNOX.  I ask Mr Doovalley what his intentions are.

MARGARET.  Oh father:  how can you?

DUVALLET.  I’m afraid my knowledge of English is not enough to understand.  Intentions?  How?

MARGARET.  He wants to know will you marry me.

MRS GILBEY. |   What a thing to say!
|

KNOX.       |   Silence, miss.
|

DORA. | Well, thats straight, aint it?

DUVALLET.  But I am married already.  I have two daughters.