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[_Following him out._
CHARLOTTE.
[_To AGATHA POSKET._] I'll have the first word. Really, Captain Vale, I'm surprised at you.
VALE.
There was a happy time, Miss Verrinder, when I might have been surprised at you.
CHARLOTTE.
A few hours ago it was--"By Jove, all is over." Now I find you with a bosom friend enjoying devilled oysters.
VALE.
I beg your pardon, I find you enjoying devilled oysters.
CHARLOTTE.
Horace Vale, you forget you have forfeited the right to exercise any control over my diet.
VALE.
One would think I had broken off our engagement.
CHARLOTTE.
If you have not, who has? I have your letter saying all is over between us. [_Putting her handkerchief to her eyes._] That letter will be stamped tomorrow at Somerset House. I know how to protect myself.
VALE.
Charlotte, can you explain your conduct with Gordon Bristow?
CHARLOTTE.
I could if I chose; a young lady can explain anything.
VALE.
But he is showing your gift to our fellows all over the place.
CHARLOTTE.
It was a debt of honour. He laid me a box of gloves to a pair of slippers about "Forked Lightning" for the Regimental Cup, and "Forked Lightning" went tender at the heel. I couldn't come to you with debts hanging over me. [_Crying._] I'm too conscientious.
VALE.
By Jove, I've been a brute.
CHARLOTTE.
Y-y-yes.
VALE.
Can you forget I ever wrote that letter?
CHARLOTTE.
That must be a question of time. [_She lays her head on his shoulder and then removes it._] How damp you are. [_She puts her handkerchief upon his shoulder, and replaces her head. She moves his arm gradually up and arranges it round her shoulder._] If you went on anyhow every time I discharged an obligation, we should be most unhappy.
VALE.
I promise you I won't mention Bristow's slippers again. By Jove, I won't--there.
CHARLOTTE.
Very well, then, if you do that I'll give you my word I won't pay any more debts before our marriage.
VALE.
My darling!
[_About to embrace him, but remembering that he is wet._
CHARLOTTE.
No--no--you are too damp.
ISIDORE.
[_Outside._] I beg your pardon, it is a quarter of an hour over our time.
[_AGATHA POSKET has been sitting on the sofa; suddenly she starts, listening intently._
MR. POSKET.
[_Outside._] I know--I know. I'm going directly I can get the boy away.
AGATHA POSKET.
[_To herself._] aeneas!
CIS.
[_Outside._] All right, Guv, you finish your bottle.
AGATHA POSKET.
