If Only etc. Part 23

ROBERT ADDISON.

Exactly. I think I can recommend the very model you want.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

You? Where did you meet her--on a racecourse?

ROBERT ADDISON.

I know her--and she's worth backing.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

My dear friend, you have saved me! Where is she?

ROBERT ADDISON.

I'll look her up.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

To-day?

ROBERT ADDISON.

Now if you like. Her name is Rosaline, and she's a ripper.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

"Rosaline the Ripper," Robert, fetch her. No wait a moment, I can't do the picture here; I daren't.

ROBERT ADDISON.

Why not?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Well, you see, my wife wouldn't approve, and I blush to say that in the exuberance of early matrimony I encouraged her in an inconvenient habit of running into my studio at all hours. I'll have to work in a pal's.

ROBERT ADDISON.

All right, I'll send her there.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Well, you might bring her now, if you can, and I'll arrange the sittings with her. Does she hang out in the neighbourhood?

ROBERT ADDISON.

Over a coffee-shop in Golden Street.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Go! And I'll stand you a swagger supper when the picture's done, and Schercl parts. By the way--

ROBERT ADDISON.

Yes?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Touching the two quid?

ROBERT ADDISON (_giving the money_).

Here you are.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

I do touch 'em. Ecstasy! Bob, you're a brick; now cut along and get back with the damsel sharp. (_Knock heard at_ D.F.) Hullo, whom have we here? Come in. (_Knock repeated_.) Come in. (_Knock again_.) Come in, you fat-headed, lop-sided, splay-footed, bandy-legged jay; come in!

(_Enter_ SCHERCL).

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).

Schercl! Good Lord! He's come to see the work.

ROBERT ADDISON.

(_Aside to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY). I'm off.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

(_Aside to_ ROBERT ADDISON). No, I say, Bob, wait and see me through it.

ROBERT ADDISON.

Rosaline may go out--I must hurry. See you again in half an hour.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

(_Aside to_ ROBERT ADDISON). What shall I do?

ROBERT ADDISON.

(_Aside to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY). Lie! Ta-ta. I say--! You don't think it possible old Schercl has made a mistake and taken you for Tempenny the R.A.?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_staggered_).