r the
child. It is close on a fortnight since--

Rosen. She is enjoying herself. I remember when I was enjoying myself I
never used to write letters.

Leonarda (looking at him). You were enjoying yourself last night, I
rather think?

Rosen. Do I show it? Dear, dear! I thought that after a bath and a
ride--

Leonarda. This sort of thing cannot go on!

Rosen. You know quite well that if I can't be here I have to go to my
club.

Leonarda. But can't you go to your club without--? (Stops, with a
gesture of disgust.)

Rosen. I know what you mean, worse luck. But they always give one a
glass too much.

Leonarda. One glass? Say three!

Rosen. Three, if you like. You know I never was good at counting.

Leonarda. Well, now you can go for your ride alone.

Rosen. Oh, but--

Leonarda. Yes, I am not going for a ride to-day with a man who was tipsy
last night. (Takes off her hat.) Hans! (HANS is heard answering her from
without.) Put my horse up for the present!

Rosen. You are punishing yourself as well as me, you know. You ought to
be out on a day like this--and it is a sin to deprive the countryside of
the pleasure of seeing you!

Leonarda. Will nothing ever make you take things seriously?

Rosen. Yes. When the day comes that you are in need of anything, I will
be serious.

Leonarda. And you propose to hang about here waiting, till I have some
ill luck? You will have to wait a long time, I hope. (Goes to her desk.)

Rosen. I hope so too!--because meanwhile I shall be able to continue
coming here.

Leonarda. Till you get your orders from America.

Rosen. Of course--till I get my orders from Sherman.

Leonarda. You have not had any orders, then?

Rosen. No.

Leonarda. It is beginning to look very suspicious. How long is it since
I made you write to him?

Rosen. Oh, I am sure I forget.

Leonarda. It has just struck me--. I suppose you did write?

Rosen. Of course I did. I always do what you tell me.

Leonarda. You stand there twirling your moustache--and when you do that
I always know there is some nonsense going on--.

Rosen. How can you suppose such a thing?

Leonarda. You have never written! Why on earth did that never strike me
before?

Rosen. I have written repeatedly, I assure you!

Leonarda. But not to Sherman? You have not reported yourself for service
again?

Rosen. Do you remember the Russian cigarettes I have so often spoken
of? I have got some now. I brought a few with me to try