The Big Drum Part 41

ROOPE.

[_Testily._] That was her mood last June, when she was hypped and discontented. With a husband she can be proud of, surely----!

PHILIP.

[_Coming forward._] As a matter of fact, Robbie, I'm inclined to agree with you; I've been staring into my fire, or out of my windows here, a jolly sight too much. [_Expanding his chest._] It'll be refres.h.i.+ng to me to rub shoulders with people again for a bit--[_smiling_] even to find myself the object of a little interest and curiosity.

ROOPE.

[_Delighted._] Dear excellent friend!

PHILIP.

Ha, ha! You see, I'm not without my share of petty vanity. I'm consistent, though. Didn't I tell you in South Audley Street that I was as eager for fame as any man living, if only I could win it in my own way?

ROOPE.

You did.

PHILIP.

[_Exultingly._] Well, I _have_ won it in my own way, haven't I!

[_Hitting the palm of his hand with his fist._] I've done what I determined to do, Robbie; what I knew I _should_ do, sooner or later!

I've _got there_--got there!--by simple, honest means! Isn't it glorious?

ROOPE.

[_Cautiously._] I admit----

PHILIP.

[_Breaking in._] Oh, I don't pretend that there haven't been moments in my years of stress and struggle when I've been tempted to join the gaudy, cackling fowl whose feathers I flatter myself I've plucked pretty thoroughly in my book! But I've resisted the devil by prayers and fasting; and, by George, sir, I wouldn't swap my modest victory for the vogue of the biggest boomster in England! [_Boisterously._] Ha, ha, ha! Whoop! [_Seizing_ ROOPE _and shaking him._] Dare to preach your gospel to me _now_, you arch-apostle of quackery and self-advertis.e.m.e.nt!

ROOPE.

[_Peevishly, releasing himself._] Upon my word, Phil----!

[_The bell rings again._

PHILIP.

The cook! [_To_ ROOPE, _seeing that he is putting on his m.u.f.fler._]

Don't go.

ROOPE.

I must. [_Taking up his overcoat._] I merely ran along to shake hands with you, and I'm sorry I took the trouble. [PHILIP _helps him into his overcoat laughingly._] Thanks.

PHILIP.

[_Suddenly._] Robbie----!

ROOPE.

[_Struggling with an obstinate sleeve._] Hey?

PHILIP.

It's just struck me. Where are _you_ dining to-night?

ROOPE.

At the Garrick, with Hughie Champion. [_Picking up his hat and gloves._] He's getting horribly deaf and tedious; but I had nothing better.

PHILIP.

Bother Colonel Champion! I wish you could have dined with _me_.

ROOPE.

[_His hat on his head, drawing on his gloves._] Dear excellent _friend_! I should be out of place.

PHILIP.

Rubbis.h.!.+ Your presence would be peculiarly appropriate, my dear Robbie.

Wasn't it you who brought Ottoline and me together, G.o.d bless yer!

[_Observing that_ ROOPE _is weakening._] There's heaps of room for an extra chair. Everybody 'ud be delighted.

ROOPE.

[_Meditatively._] I could telephone to Hughie excusing myself. He didn't ask me till this afternoon. [_With an injured air._] I resent a short notice.

PHILIP.

[_His eyes twinkling._] Quite right. Mine's short too----

ROOPE.

That's different.

PHILIP.

Entirely. You'll come?

ROOPE.

If you're certain the Filsons and Madame de Chaumie----

PHILIP.