cise!

_Matt._ Perhaps Mrs. Sturgess may consider that little point during the
coming year. Meantime, [_To_ RENIE] may we be confident your little
tragedy is ended----

_Renie._ Oh yes, quite.

_Matt._ We needn't ask its nature, but you give us your word of honor?

[_Looks at her very searchingly and speaking seriously._]

_Renie._ Yes, my word of honor.

_Matt._ Thank you.

_Pilcher._ Another victory.

_Matt._ [_Looks searchingly at her, drops a sovereign in the box._]
Lucas?

_Lucas._ [_Coming cheerfully forward._] My turn for the thumbscrew!

_Matt._ You seem very cheerful about it.

_Lucas._ Yes, I'm going to make a jolly good show.

_Matt._ What particular bad habit have you conquered during the past
year?

_Lucas._ I don't know that I've conquered any one in particular, but
I've had a regular good go in all round, so altogether I can pat myself
on the back.

_Matt._ But I want to know one particular habit conquered--for instance,
you weren't very careful what ladies you made love to, or how many of
them at the same time----

_Lucas._ I say, Uncle Matt, drop this----

_Matt._ And a year or two ago you went just a little bit off the
straight----

_Lucas._ Oh no I didn't.

_Matt._ I want to know----

_Lucas._ Thank you, no more thumbscrew. I'm out of this before it goes
any further.

_Matt._ It isn't going any further. [_Putting his hand on_ LUCAS'S
_shoulder._] Give me your word of honor----

_Lucas._ That's all very well, it wasn't a very bad case, and I don't
think you should have brought it up. But as you have--well, I did meet a
lady, and I was very much attracted to her, but I summoned all my
resolution, and there the matter ended.

_Pilcher._ I think I may claim a victory here.

_Lucas._ So please put in your sovereign.

_Matt._ [_Very seriously._] If you will give me your word of honor that
you have absolutely broken off----

_Lucas._ Yes, yes, of course I have.

[MATT _puts in a sovereign, hands the box to_ PILCHER.

_Pilcher._ Three victories and one draw out of four. Most satisfactory.
[_Taking out watch._] I must hurry off to the White House and see what
they're doing there. [_Rattling the box._] Excellent results! So
excellent that I think I'm justified in making you a little New Year's
gift.

[_Going to his heap of brown-paper parcels._

_Dolly._ A New Year's gift! How kind of you! To me?

_Pilcher._ [_Opening his parcel._] To you and your husband