Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 88

BOULGER.

I shan't shut up. The man's got no right to force himself here.

d.i.c.k.

Remember that you're Lady Kelsey's nephew.

BOULGER.

I didn't ask him. D'you think I'd have come if I knew he was going to be here? He's acknowledged that he has no defence.

ALEC.

Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny nothing.

BOULGER.

That won't do for me. I want the truth, and I'm going to get it. I've got a right to know.

ALEC.

[_Beginning to lose his temper._] Don't make an a.s.s of yourself, Bobby.

BOULGER.

By G.o.d, I'll make you answer!

[_As he says this he goes up to_ ALEC _furiously, but_ ALEC. _with a twist of his arm, hurls him back._

ALEC.

I could break your back, you silly boy.

[_With a cry of anger_ BOULGER _is about to spring at_ ALEC _when_ d.i.c.k _gets in the way._

d.i.c.k.

Now then, no scenes. And you'll only get the worst of it, Bobby. Alec could just crumple you up. Take him away, Mallins. Don't stand there like a stuffed owl, Carbery.

BOULGER.

Let me alone, you fool!

MALLINS.

Come along, old chap.

BOULGER.

[_To_ ALEC.] You d.a.m.ned skunk!

d.i.c.k.

Now then, be off with you. Don't make a silly a.s.s of yourself.

[BOULGER, MALLINS _and_ CARBERY _go out._

d.i.c.k.

Poor Lady Kelsey! To-morrow half London will be saying that you and Bobby had a stand-up fight in her drawing-room.

ALEC.

[_Furiously._] The d.a.m.ned cubs!

d.i.c.k.

The position is growing confoundedly awkward!

ALEC.

They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they turn against me like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise them--these silly boys who stay at home wallowing in their ease while men work. Thank G.o.d, I've done with them all now. They think one can fight one's way through Africa as easily as one walks down Piccadilly. They think one goes through hards.h.i.+ps and dangers, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a dinner-party in Mayfair.

d.i.c.k.

My dear Alec, keep calm.

ALEC.

[_With a visible effort containing himself completely, with studied nonchalance._] D'you think that I look wildly excited?

d.i.c.k.

[_Ironically._] I don't think b.u.t.ter would melt in your mouth.

[d.i.c.k _and_ ALEC _go out into the garden. In a moment_ BOULGER _comes in with_ LADY KELSEY.

BOULGER.

Thank heaven, there's n.o.body here.

LADY KELSEY.

I think you're dreadfully foolish, Bobby. You know how Lucy resents any interference with her actions.

BOULGER.

Won't you sit down? You must be dreadfully tired.