carriage from Dover.

PHILIP.

What's the message?

ROOPE.

He saw your book in my bag, and began talking about you. He said he
hadn't met you for years, but that I was to give you his warm regards.

PHILIP.

Indeed?

ROOPE.

[_Astutely._] My impression is that he's heard rumours concerning you
and Madame de Chaumie while he's been away, and that he's anxious to
show he has no ill-will. I suppose your calling so often in Ennismore
Gardens has been remarked.

PHILIP.

Extremely civil of him, if that's the case. [_Loftily._] Decent sort of
fellow, I recollect.

ROOPE.

[_Going into the vestibule._] Very; very.

PHILIP.

Poor chap!

ROOPE.

[_Opening the outer door._] Eight o'clock, dear excellent friend.

PHILIP.

[_At his elbow._] Sharp.

ROOPE.

[_Disappearing._] _Au revoir!_

PHILIP.

_Au revoir!_ [_Calling after_ ROOPE.] Mind that corner! [_Closing the
outer door with a bang and shouting._] John! [_Coming back into the
study._] John! [_Closing the vestibule door._] John! [_Going to the big
doors and opening the one on the left a little way._] John----!

[OTTOLINE, _richly dressed in furs, steps through the
opening and confronts him. Her cheeks are flushed and
her manner has lost some of its repose._

OTTOLINE.

[_Shutting the door behind her as she enters--playfully._] _Qu'est-ce
que vous desirez John?_

PHILIP.

[_Catching her in his arms._] My dear girl!

OTTOLINE.

Ha, ha! I'm not going to stop a minute. [_Rapidly._] I've been to tea
with Kitty Millington; and as I was getting into my car, I suddenly
thought--! [_He kisses her._] I waited in there to avoid Robbie Roope.

PHILIP.

Robbie came back yesterday. I hope I haven't done wrong; I've asked him
to dine here to-night.

OTTOLINE.

Wrong! Dear old Robbie! But I didn't want him just now. [_Loosening her
wrap and hunting for a pocket in it._] I've brought you a little gift,
Phil--_en souvenir de cette s