The Gay Lord Quex Part 3

[_Regaining her self-possession._] Oh, I had my lunch an hour ago; I came over so ravenous. [_Going to_ MISS MOON, _who is still lost in admiration of_ POLLITT--_in a whisper._] Be off, child. Don't stand staring at Mr. Valma.

MISS MOON.

[_In_ SOPHY'S _ear._] I think I've got him another!

SOPHY.

Shut up!

[MISS MOON _withdraws, with her bowl and towel._

SOPHY.

[_To_ POLLITT.] Did you catch what she said? Oh, it doesn't matter if you did; you know we are all working for you, like n.i.g.g.e.rs.

POLLITT.

[_Tenderly._] Ah!

SOPHY.

Not a customer leaves my place without having heard your name mentioned.

My girls are regular bricks.

POLLITT.

[_Approaching her._] And what are you?

SOPHY.

[_Looking away again._] Oh, I do no more than any of the others.

POLLITT.

Do you expect me to believe that? you, their queen! No, it is _you_ who have helped me to steer my bark into the flowing waters of popularity.

SOPHY.

[_Nervously._] Extremely pleased, I--I'm sure. [_He is close beside her; a cork is drawn loudly. They part, startled and disturbed. She goes to the opening in the part.i.tion, raising her voice slightly._] Girls, can't you draw your corks a shade quieter? Nice if somebody was coming upstairs!

MISS LIMBIRD.

[_In the distance._] Very sorry, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

[_To_ POLLITT, _as she toys with the articles upon the circular table._]

Everything is so up this weather. It's their lime-juice champagne.

POLLITT.

[_By her side again--suddenly._] I love you!

SOPHY.

Oh, Mr. Valma!

POLLITT.

I love you! Ever since I had the honour of being presented to you by Mr.

Salmon, the picture-dealer next door, I have thought of you, dreamt of you, constantly. [_She brushes past him; he follows her._] Miss Fullgarney, you will accord me permission to pay you my addresses?

SOPHY.

[_In a flutter._] I--I am highly flattered and complimented, Mr. Valma, by your proposal--

POLLITT.

[_Taking her hand._] Flattered--no!

SOPHY.

[_Withdrawing her hand._] Oh, but please wait!

POLLITT.

Wait!

SOPHY.

I mean, I certainly couldn't dream of accepting the attentions of any man until he fully understood--

POLLITT.

Understood what?

SOPHY.

[_Summoning all her dignity._] Oh, I'll be perfectly straight with you--until he fully understood that, whatever my station in life may be now, I have risen from rather--well, I may say _very_ small beginnings.

POLLITT.

What matters that?

SOPHY.

Oh, but I beg your pardon--it does. [_Relaxing._] I am sure I can depend on you not to give me away all over the place?

POLLITT.