Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 28

FOULDES.

[_Handing her one._] A penny stamp may sometimes save one a hundred louis.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_Ironically._] Thanks so much. I write the name of my bank on the top, don't I? Pay Madame Claude....

MADAME CLAUDE.

Now, it's no good, Lady Frederick, I won't take it. After all I 'ave my self-respect to think of.

LADY FREDERICK.

It's too late now.

MADAME CLAUDE.

[_Sniffing a little._] No, no, Lady Frederick. Don't be too 'ard on me.

As one lady to another I ask you to forgive me. I did come about my account, but--well, I don't want the money.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_Looking up good-humouredly._] Well, well. [_She looks at the cheque._]

It shall be as you wish. There. [_She tears it up._]

MADAME CLAUDE.

Oh, thank you, Lady Frederick. I look upon that as a real favour. And now I really must be getting off.

LADY FREDERICK.

Must you go? Well, good-bye. Paradine, take Madame Claude to her motor.

Ada!

[_She kisses her on the cheek._

MADAME CLAUDE.

[_Going._] I am pleased to have seen you.

[PARADINE _offers his arm and goes out with_ MADAME CLAUDE. LADY FREDERICK _goes to the window, stands on a chair and waves her handkerchief. While she is doing this_ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _enters_.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

How d'you do?

LADY FREDERICK.

[_Getting down._] How nice of you to come. I wanted to see you.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

May I sit down?

LADY FREDERICK.

Of course. There are one or two things I'd like to talk to you about.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

Yes?

LADY FREDERICK.

First I must thank you for your great kindness to Gerald. I didn't know last night that he owed you a good deal of money.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

It's a mere trifle.

LADY FREDERICK.

You must be very rich to call nine hundred pounds that?

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

I am.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_With a laugh._] All the same it's extremely good of you to give him plenty of time.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

I told Gerald he could have till to-morrow.

LADY FREDERICK.

Obviously he wants to settle with you as soon as ever he can.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

[_Quietly._] I often wonder why gambling debts are known as debts of honour.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_Looking at him steadily._] Of course I realise that if you choose to press for the money and Gerald can't pay--he'll have to send in his papers.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.