The Big Drum Part 42

Certain. [_Following_ ROOPE _to the door admitting to the vestibule._]

Eight o'clock.

ROOPE.

[_Opening the door._] Charming.

PHILIP.

Won't you let John fetch you a taxi?

ROOPE.

[_Shaking hands with_ PHILIP.] No, I'll walk into Holborn. [_In the doorway._] Oh, by-the-by, I've a message for you, Phil.

PHILIP.

From whom?

ROOPE.

Barradell, of all people in the world.

PHILIP.

[_Surprised._] Sir Timothy?

ROOPE.

He's home. I crossed with him yesterday, and we travelled in the same carriage from Dover.

PHILIP.

What's the message?

ROOPE.

He saw your book in my bag, and began talking about you. He said he hadn't met you for years, but that I was to give you his warm regards.

PHILIP.

Indeed?

ROOPE.

[_Astutely._] My impression is that he's heard rumours concerning you and Madame de Chaumie while he's been away, and that he's anxious to show he has no ill-will. I suppose your calling so often in Ennismore Gardens has been remarked.

PHILIP.

Extremely civil of him, if that's the case. [_Loftily._] Decent sort of fellow, I recollect.

ROOPE.

[_Going into the vestibule._] Very; very.

PHILIP.

Poor chap!

ROOPE.

[_Opening the outer door._] Eight o'clock, dear excellent friend.

PHILIP.

[_At his elbow._] Sharp.

ROOPE.

[_Disappearing._] _Au revoir!_

PHILIP.

_Au revoir!_ [_Calling after_ ROOPE.] Mind that corner! [_Closing the outer door with a bang and shouting._] John! [_Coming back into the study._] John! [_Closing the vestibule door._] John! [_Going to the big doors and opening the one on the left a little way._] John----!

[OTTOLINE, _richly dressed in furs, steps through the opening and confronts him. Her cheeks are flushed and her manner has lost some of its repose._

OTTOLINE.

[_Shutting the door behind her as she enters--playfully._] _Qu'est-ce que vous desirez John?_

PHILIP.

[_Catching her in his arms._] My dear girl!

OTTOLINE.

Ha, ha! I'm not going to stop a minute. [_Rapidly._] I've been to tea with Kitty Millington; and as I was getting into my car, I suddenly thought--! [_He kisses her._] I waited in there to avoid Robbie Roope.

PHILIP.

Robbie came back yesterday. I hope I haven't done wrong; I've asked him to dine here to-night.

OTTOLINE.

Wrong! Dear old Robbie! But I didn't want him just now. [_Loosening her wrap and hunting for a pocket in it._] I've brought you a little gift, Phil--_en souvenir de cette soiree_----

PHILIP.