ROOPE.

I must. [_Taking up his overcoat._] I merely ran along to shake hands
with you, and I'm sorry I took the trouble. [PHILIP _helps him into his
overcoat laughingly._] Thanks.

PHILIP.

[_Suddenly._] Robbie----!

ROOPE.

[_Struggling with an obstinate sleeve._] Hey?

PHILIP.

It's just struck me. Where are _you_ dining to-night?

ROOPE.

At the Garrick, with Hughie Champion. [_Picking up his hat and
gloves._] He's getting horribly deaf and tedious; but I had nothing
better.

PHILIP.

Bother Colonel Champion! I wish you could have dined with _me_.

ROOPE.

[_His hat on his head, drawing on his gloves._] Dear excellent
_friend_! I should be out of place.

PHILIP.

Rubbish! Your presence would be peculiarly appropriate, my dear Robbie.
Wasn't it you who brought Ottoline and me together, God bless yer!
[_Observing that_ ROOPE _is weakening._] There's heaps of room for an
extra chair. Everybody 'ud be delighted.

ROOPE.

[_Meditatively._] I could telephone to Hughie excusing myself. He
didn't ask me till this afternoon. [_With an injured air._] I resent a
short notice.

PHILIP.

[_His eyes twinkling._] Quite right. Mine's short too----

ROOPE.

That's different.

PHILIP.

Entirely. You'll come?

ROOPE.

If you're certain the Filsons and Madame de Chaumie----

PHILIP.

Certain. [_Following_ ROOPE _to the door admitting to the vestibule._]
Eight o'clock.

ROOPE.

[_Opening the door._] Charming.

PHILIP.

Won't you let John fetch you a taxi?

ROOPE.

[_Shaking hands with_ PHILIP.] No, I'll walk into Holborn. [_In the
doorway._] Oh, by-the-by, I've a message for you, Phil.

PHILIP.

From whom?

ROOPE.

Barradell, of all people in the world.

PHILIP.

[_Surprised._] Sir Timothy?

ROOPE.

He's home. I crossed with him yesterday, and we travelled in the same