The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 7

Surp----! I haven't been surprised for twenty years.

AUBREY.

And you're not angry with me?

DRUMMLE.

Angry! [_Rising._] Because you considerately withhold the name of a lady with whom it is now the object of my life to become acquainted?

My dear fellow, you pique my curiosity, you give zest to my existence! And as for a wedding, who on earth wants to attend that familiar and probably draughty function? Ugh! My cigar's out.

AUBREY.

Let's talk about something else.

MISQUITH.

[_Looking at his watch._] Not to-night, Aubrey.

AUBREY.

My dear Frank!

MISQUITH.

I go up to Scotland to-morrow, and there are some little matters----

JAYNE.

I am off too.

AUBREY.

No, no.

JAYNE.

I must: I have to give a look to a case in Clifford Street on my way home.

AUBREY.

[_Going to the door._] Well! [MISQUITH _and_ JAYNE _exchange looks with_ DRUMMLE. _Opening the door and calling._] Morse, hats and coats! I shall write to you all next week from Genoa or Florence.

Now, doctor, Frank, remember, my love to Mrs. Misquith and to Mrs.

Jayne!

MORSE _enters with hats and coats._

MISQUITH _and_ JAYNE.

Yes, yes--yes, yes.

AUBREY.

And your young people!

[_As_ MISQUITH _and_ JAYNE _put on their coats there is the clatter of careless talk._

JAYNE.

Cayley, I meet you at dinner on Sunday.

DRUMMLE.

At the Stratfields'. That's very pleasant.

MISQUITH.

[_Putting on his coat with_ AUBREY's _aid._] Ah-h!

AUBREY.

What's wrong?

MISQUITH.

A twinge. Why didn't I go to Aix in August?

JAYNE.

[_Shaking hands with_ DRUMMLE.] Good-night, Cayley.

DRUMMLE.

Good-night, my dear doctor!

MISQUITH.

[_Shaking hands with_ DRUMMLE.] Cayley, are you in town for long?

DRUMMLE.

Dear friend, I'm nowhere for long. Good-night.

MISQUITH.

Good-night.

[AUBREY, JAYNE, _and_ MISQUITH _go out, followed by_ MORSE; _the hum of talk is continued outside._

AUBREY.