ket, goes to
conservatory, looks in._ RENIE _enters at door behind him. She
starts, as he turns round._
_Renie._ [_In a whisper._] You're here already?
_Lucas._ Yes----
_Renie._ Your wound?
_Lucas._ Much better. Nearly well.
_Renie._ I'm so glad----
_Lucas._ I'm not. I shall have to cut it back to India directly. Why
didn't you answer my last letter?
_Renie._ I did--and tore it up.
_Lucas._ Tore it up?
_Renie._ What's the use? I told you last year we could never be anything
to each other!
_Lucas._ But you didn't mean it?
[_He seizes her hand and kisses it several times._
_Renie._ [_Feebly attempting to withdraw it._] Yes--yes, I did. Hush!
_Lucas._ I want you to read this. [_Shows her the letter._
_Matt._ [_Heard through the door which is open a few inches._] Have you
found the box, Criddle?
_Criddle._ No, sir. I've hunted everywhere.
_Matt._ Have another look. We must have it ready for Mr. Pilcher.
MATT _enters. Meantime_ RENIE _has crept to upper conservatory door
and gone off signing to_ LUCAS _to keep silence. He has taken the
letter out of his pocket and held it up for her to see, putting it
back before_ MATT _enters._
_Matt._ Ah, Lucas. So you've got here. Happy New Year!
_Lucas._ Happy New Year, Uncle Matt.
[_Cordially shaking hands._
_Matt._ Glad to see you back in England.
_Lucas._ Glad to be back!
_Matt._ How's the arm?
_Lucas._ Splendid--nearly well. Dolly and Harry all right?
_Matt._ First rate. They'll be here directly.
_Lucas._ The Sturgesses are here again, Criddle tells me.
_Matt._ Ye-es.
_Lucas._ Gray matter still going strong?
_Matt._ Booming.
_Lucas._ How's Mrs. Sturgess?
_Matt._ As usual, a little inclined to flop about and play act----
_Lucas._ Yes. Jolly good-looking woman though, eh?
_Matt._ Very. Lucas----
_Lucas._ Well?
_Matt._ You're quite cured, eh?
_Lucas._ Cured?
_Matt._ Of your infatuation for her.
_Lucas._ Infatuation? Well, I admired her, and perhaps it was lucky I
was ordered out to India----
_Matt._ I managed that for you, my boy.
_Lucas._ You did!?
_Matt._ Sir John wanted a smart A.D.C., so I drove over to Aldershot,
urged your claims, and got you the appointment.
_Lucas._ So that was why I was packed off. It was you who----
_Matt._ Aren't you thankful I did?
_Lucas._ Yes, much obliged to you, much obliged!
_Matt._ So you ought to be.
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