The 'Mind the Paint' Girl Part 7

I-- I'm surprised she didn't mention it to you 'erself when you brought 'er 'ome last night.

JEYES.

Mention what?

MRS. UPJOHN.

They're givin' 'er a supper to-night at the theatre.

JEYES.

The theatre?

ROPER.

[_Advancing._] Yes, Carlton's standing a little spread in the foyer, in honour of the occasion. [_Sitting at the tea-table._] Quite right too; she's _his_ best a.s.set, and chance it.

JEYES.

When was it fixed up?

ROPER.

Late last night.

JEYES.

The fact is, Lily and I had a slight tiff coming home last night.

[_Sitting on the settee in front of the writing-table._] Ha! I suppose she kept it from me to pay me out. [_Sharply._] Who's invited?

ROPER.

Er-- only the princ.i.p.al members of the Company, I understand.

MRS. UPJOHN.

[_Moistening her lips with her tongue._] Yes, only the members of the Company, Lil says.

ROPER.

With Morrie Cooling and Vincent Bland thrown in.

JEYES.

[_Looking at ROPER._] _You_ seem to know a lot about it, Roper.

ROPER.

I was behind when Morrie was going round to the dressing-rooms.

JEYES.

[_To ROPER, suspiciously._] Are _you_ asked?

ROPER.

[_Taken aback._] E--eh?

JEYES.

Are _you_ asked?

ROPER.

[_With an attempt at airiness._] Oh, yes, they've dragged me into it.

JEYES.

Since when have _you_ been a member of the Company?

ROPER.

No, but-- dash it, I've done business for Carlton in the City for twenty years or more----!

JEYES.

That doesn't make you one.

ROPER.

And I'm an old friend of Lil's.

JEYES.

Not older than I. [_Violently._] Why the blazes doesn't Smythe invite _me_?

ROPER.

[_Extending his arms._] My dear Nicko, _I'm_ not giving the party.

Really, you do jump down a man's throat----!

JEYES.

Sorry, sorry, sorry. [_Leaning back and thrusting his hands into his pocket._] Well, I'll put Jack and the Linthornes off. They don't want to sup with _me_; I shouldn't amuse 'em. [_Gazing at the carpet._] Her birthday, though! It'll be the first time I shall have been out of _that_ for-- how many years?-- six years. I---- [_Raising his head, he detects MRS. UPJOHN and ROPER eyeing each other uncomfortably._]

Anything the matter?

ROPER.