The Big Drum Part 47

BERTRAM.

A most painful scene for them, I mean t'say----

PHILIP.

A painful scene for you and Mr. Dunning.

BERTRAM.

_After_ dinner--when they've gone--you and I'll go down to Dunning----

PHILIP.

[_Flinging the poker into the grate and facing_ BERTRAM.] Confound you, you don't suppose I'm going to act on your suggestion, and grin through a long meal with this between us! [_Pointing to the telephone again._]

Ring him up, you treacherous little whelp--quick! [_Advancing._] If _you_ won't----!

BERTRAM.

[_Bristling._] Oh, very good! [_Pausing on his way to the telephone and addressing_ PHILIP _with an evil expression._] You were always a bully and a bl.u.s.terer, Mackworth; but, take my word for it, if you fancy you can bully Mr. Dunning, and bl.u.s.ter to my family, with any satisfactory results to yourself, you're vastly mistaken.

PHILIP.

[_Gruffly._] I beg your pardon; sorry I exploded.

BERTRAM.

[_Scowling._] It's of no consequence. [_At the telephone, his ear to the receiver._] I am absolutely indifferent to your vulgar abuse, I mean t'say.

[JOHN _announces_ ROOPE. _Note:_ ROOPE _and the rest of the guests divest themselves of their overcoats, wraps, etc., in the vestibule before entering the room._

JOHN.

Mr. Roope.

ROOPE.

[_Greeting_ PHILIP _as_ JOHN _withdraws._] Am I the first----?

PHILIP.

[_Glancing at_ BERTRAM.] No.

BERTRAM.

[_Speaking into the telephone._] Holborn, three eight nine eight.

ROOPE.

[_Waving his hand to Bertram._] Ah! How _are_ you, my dear Mr. Filson?

BERTRAM.

[_To_ ROOPE, _sulkily._] How'r you? Excuse me----

ROOPE.

[_To_ PHILIP.] My dear Phil, these excursions to the east are delightful; they are positively. The sights fill me with amazement.

I----

PHILIP.

[_Cutting him short by leading him to the fireplace._] Robbie----

ROOPE.

Hey?

PHILIP.

[_Grimly, dropping his voice._] Are you hungry?

ROOPE.

Dear excellent friend, since you put the question so plainly, I don't mind avowing that I _am_--devilish hungry. Why----?

PHILIP.

There may be a slight delay, old chap.

ROOPE.

Delay?

PHILIP.

Yes, the east hasn't exhausted its marvels yet, by a long chalk.

ROOPE.

[_Looking at him curiously._] Nothing the matter, Phil?

BERTRAM.

[_Suddenly, into the telephone._] That you, Dunning----?

PHILIP.

[_To_ ROOPE.] Robbie----