ically._] _No._ This is one of
Philip's many happy inspirations. If my memory is accurate, it was at
your charming flat in South Audley Street that he and my darling
child--[_discovering_ BERTRAM, _who is now by the settee on the left._]
Bertie! [_Going to him._] I haven't seen you all day, Bertie dear.
[_Kissing him on the forehead._] Busy, eh?

BERTRAM.

[_Stiffly._] Yes, father.

PHILIP.

[_At the chair on the left of the smoking-table, dryly._] Bertram has
been telling me how busy he has been, Sir Randle----

SIR RANDLE.

[_Not perceiving the general air of restraint._] That reminds
me--[_moving, full of importance, to the settee on the right--feeling
in his breast-pocket_] the announcement of the engagement,
Philip--[_seating himself and producing a pocket-book_] Lady Filson and
I drew it up this morning. [_Hunting among some letters and papers._] I
_believe_ it is in the conventional form; but we so thoroughly
sympathize with you and Ottoline in your dislike for anything that
savours of pomp and flourish that we hesitate, without your sanction,
to--[_selecting a paper and handing it to_ PHILIP] ah! [_To_ ROOPE,
_who has returned to the fireplace--over his shoulder._] I am treating
you as one of ourselves, Mr. Roope----

ROOPE.

[_In a murmur._] Dear excellent friend----!

SIR RANDLE.

[_To_ PHILIP.] We propose to insert it only in the three or four
principal journals----

PHILIP.

[_Frowning at the paper._] Sir Randle----

SIR RANDLE.

[_Blandly._] Eh?

PHILIP.

Haven't you given me the wrong paper?

SIR RANDLE.

[_With a look of alarm, hurriedly putting on his pince-nez and
searching in his pocket-book again._] The wrong----?

PHILIP.

This has "Universal News Agency" written in the corner of it.

SIR RANDLE.

[_Holding out his hand for the paper, faintly._] Oh----!

PHILIP.

[_Ignoring_ SIR RANDLE's _hand--reading._] "The extraordinary stir,
which we venture to prophesy will not soon be eclipsed, made by Mr.
Philip Mackworth's recent novel, 'The Big Drum,' lends additional
interest to the announcement of his forthcoming marriag