HILIP.

Well, Sir Randle, I--I'm prepared to take a sporting chance. It may be
that I am misled by the sanguine temperament of the artist, who is apt
to believe that his latest production will shake the earth to its
foundation. I've gammoned myself before into such a belief,
but--[_resolutely_] I'll stake everything on my next book! I give you
my word that if it isn't a success--an indisputable popular success--I
will join you both, in all sincerity, in urging Ottoline to break with
me. Come! Does that mollify you?

[_There is a short silence._ SIR RANDLE _and_ LADY
FILSON _look at each other in surprise and_ OTTOLINE
_stares at_ PHILIP _open-mouthed._

OTTOLINE.

Philip----!

PHILIP.

[_To_ SIR RANDLE.] Sir Randle----?

SIR RANDLE.

[_To_ LADY FILSON.] Winnie----?

LADY FILSON.

[_In a softer tone._] It certainly seems to me that Mr. Mackworth's
undertaking--as far as it goes----

OTTOLINE.

[_With a queer laugh._] Ha, ha, ha! As far as it goes, mother!
[_Rising, thoughtfully._] Doesn't it go a little _too_ far?
[_Contracting her brows._] It disposes of _me_ as if I were of no more
account than a sawdust doll! [_To_ PHILIP.] Ah, traitor! [_In a low
voice._] _Vos promesses a une femme sont sans valeur!_

PHILIP.

[_Taking her hands reassuringly._] No, no----!

OTTOLINE.

[_Withdrawing her hands._] Zut! [_Moving slowly towards the glazed
door._] You have acquitted yourself bravely, _mon cher Monsieur
Philippe_! [_Shrugging her shoulders._] Say good-bye and let me turn
you out in disgrace.

PHILIP.

[_Deprecatingly._] Ha, ha, ha! [_Going to_ LADY FILSON.] Good-bye, Lady
Filson. [_She rises and shakes hands with him._] Have I bought my right
of _entree_? I may ring your bell at discreet intervals till the end of
the season?

LADY FILSON.

[_Stiffly._] Ottoline is her own mistress, Mr. Mackworth; [_more
amiably_] but apart from her, you will receive a card from
me--music--Tuesday, July the eighth.

[_He bows and she crosses to the fireplace. Then he
shakes hands with_ SIR RANDLE, _who has risen and is
standing in the middle of the room._