The Big Drum - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel The Big Drum Part 47 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
BERTRAM.
A most painful scene for them, I mean t'say----
PHILIP.
A painful scene for you and Mr. Dunning.
BERTRAM.
_After_ dinner--when they've gone--you and I'll go down to Dunning----
PHILIP.
[_Flinging the poker into the grate and facing_ BERTRAM.] Confound you, you don't suppose I'm going to act on your suggestion, and grin through a long meal with this between us! [_Pointing to the telephone again._]
Ring him up, you treacherous little whelp--quick! [_Advancing._] If _you_ won't----!
BERTRAM.
[_Bristling._] Oh, very good! [_Pausing on his way to the telephone and addressing_ PHILIP _with an evil expression._] You were always a bully and a bl.u.s.terer, Mackworth; but, take my word for it, if you fancy you can bully Mr. Dunning, and bl.u.s.ter to my family, with any satisfactory results to yourself, you're vastly mistaken.
PHILIP.
[_Gruffly._] I beg your pardon; sorry I exploded.
BERTRAM.
[_Scowling._] It's of no consequence. [_At the telephone, his ear to the receiver._] I am absolutely indifferent to your vulgar abuse, I mean t'say.
[JOHN _announces_ ROOPE. _Note:_ ROOPE _and the rest of the guests divest themselves of their overcoats, wraps, etc., in the vestibule before entering the room._
JOHN.
Mr. Roope.
ROOPE.
[_Greeting_ PHILIP _as_ JOHN _withdraws._] Am I the first----?
PHILIP.
[_Glancing at_ BERTRAM.] No.
BERTRAM.
[_Speaking into the telephone._] Holborn, three eight nine eight.
ROOPE.
[_Waving his hand to Bertram._] Ah! How _are_ you, my dear Mr. Filson?
BERTRAM.
[_To_ ROOPE, _sulkily._] How'r you? Excuse me----
ROOPE.
[_To_ PHILIP.] My dear Phil, these excursions to the east are delightful; they are positively. The sights fill me with amazement.
I----
PHILIP.
[_Cutting him short by leading him to the fireplace._] Robbie----
ROOPE.
Hey?
PHILIP.
[_Grimly, dropping his voice._] Are you hungry?
ROOPE.
Dear excellent friend, since you put the question so plainly, I don't mind avowing that I _am_--devilish hungry. Why----?
PHILIP.
There may be a slight delay, old chap.
ROOPE.
Delay?
PHILIP.
Yes, the east hasn't exhausted its marvels yet, by a long chalk.
ROOPE.
[_Looking at him curiously._] Nothing the matter, Phil?
BERTRAM.
[_Suddenly, into the telephone._] That you, Dunning----?
PHILIP.
[_To_ ROOPE.] Robbie----
