Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 38

Time?

MERESTON.

But I can't wait. Don't you see how I love you? You'll never meet any one who'll care for you as I do.

LADY FREDERICK.

I think you can wait a little. Come and see me to-morrow morning at ten, and I'll give you an answer.

MERESTON.

Very well, if I must.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_Smiling._] I'm afraid so.

FOULDES.

[_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] I wonder what the deuce your little game is now.

[_She smiles triumphantly and gives him a deep, ironical curtsey._

LADY FREDERICK.

Sir, your much obliged and very obedient, humble servant.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THIRD ACT

SCENE: LADY FREDERICK'S _dressing-room. At the back is a large opening, curtained, which leads to the bedroom; on the right a door leading to the pa.s.sage; on the left a window. In front of the window, of which the blind is drawn, is a dressing-table._ LADY FREDERICK'S _maid is in the room, a very neat pretty Frenchwoman.

She speaks with a slight accent. She rings the bell, and the_ FOOTMAN _enters_.

MAID.

As soon as Lord Mereston arrives he is to be shown in.

FOOTMAN.

[_Surprised._] Here?

MAID.

Where else?

[_The_ FOOTMAN _winks significantly. The_ MAID _draws herself up with dignity, and with a dramatic gesture points to the door_.

MAID.

Depart.

[_The_ FOOTMAN _goes out_.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_From the bedroom._] Have you drawn the blind, Angelique?

MAID.

I will do so, miladi. [_She draws the blind, and the light falls brightly on the dressing-table._] But miladi will never be able to stand it. [_She looks at herself in the gla.s.s._] Oh, the light of the sun in the morning! I cannot look at myself.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_As before._] There's no reason that you should--especially in my gla.s.s.

MAID.

But if 'is lords.h.i.+p is coming, miladi must let me draw the blind. Oh, it is impossible.

LADY FREDERICK.

Do as you're told and don't interfere.

[_The_ FOOTMAN _enters to announce_ MERESTON.

_The_ MAID _goes out._

FOOTMAN.

Lord Mereston.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_As before._] Is that you, Charlie? You're very punctual.

MERESTON.

I've been walking about outside till the clock struck.

LADY FREDERICK.

I'm not nearly dressed, you know. I've only just had my bath.