The Magistrate Part 32

[_Following him out._

CHARLOTTE.

[_To AGATHA POSKET._] I'll have the first word. Really, Captain Vale, I'm surprised at you.

VALE.

There was a happy time, Miss Verrinder, when I might have been surprised at you.

CHARLOTTE.

A few hours ago it was--"By Jove, all is over." Now I find you with a bosom friend enjoying devilled oysters.

VALE.

I beg your pardon, I find you enjoying devilled oysters.

CHARLOTTE.

Horace Vale, you forget you have forfeited the right to exercise any control over my diet.

VALE.

One would think I had broken off our engagement.

CHARLOTTE.

If you have not, who has? I have your letter saying all is over between us. [_Putting her handkerchief to her eyes._] That letter will be stamped tomorrow at Somerset House. I know how to protect myself.

VALE.

Charlotte, can you explain your conduct with Gordon Bristow?

CHARLOTTE.

I could if I chose; a young lady can explain anything.

VALE.

But he is showing your gift to our fellows all over the place.

CHARLOTTE.

It was a debt of honour. He laid me a box of gloves to a pair of slippers about "Forked Lightning" for the Regimental Cup, and "Forked Lightning" went tender at the heel. I couldn't come to you with debts hanging over me. [_Crying._] I'm too conscientious.

VALE.

By Jove, I've been a brute.

CHARLOTTE.

Y-y-yes.

VALE.

Can you forget I ever wrote that letter?

CHARLOTTE.

That must be a question of time. [_She lays her head on his shoulder and then removes it._] How damp you are. [_She puts her handkerchief upon his shoulder, and replaces her head. She moves his arm gradually up and arranges it round her shoulder._] If you went on anyhow every time I discharged an obligation, we should be most unhappy.

VALE.

I promise you I won't mention Bristow's slippers again. By Jove, I won't--there.

CHARLOTTE.

Very well, then, if you do that I'll give you my word I won't pay any more debts before our marriage.

VALE.

My darling!

[_About to embrace him, but remembering that he is wet._

CHARLOTTE.

No--no--you are too damp.

ISIDORE.

[_Outside._] I beg your pardon, it is a quarter of an hour over our time.

[_AGATHA POSKET has been sitting on the sofa; suddenly she starts, listening intently._

MR. POSKET.

[_Outside._] I know--I know. I'm going directly I can get the boy away.

AGATHA POSKET.

[_To herself._] aeneas!

CIS.

[_Outside._] All right, Guv, you finish your bottle.

AGATHA POSKET.