The Gay Lord Quex - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Chance! [_Drawing a deep breath._] You place my happiness beyond danger.
SOPHY.
[_Impulsively, offering him her hand._] I wish you luck, my lord.
[_He takes her hand and wrings it._
FRAYNE.
[_Who has opened the window for air._] Hallo!
SOPHY.
[_Turning nervously._] What--?
FRAYNE.
[_Looking out._] Isn't this your friend, Captain Bastling?
QUEX.
Bastling?
FRAYNE.
At that window?
[FRAYNE _moves away to the circular table and sniffs at a bottle of scent._ QUEX _goes to the window._
QUEX.
[_Looking out._] Yes. What's old Napier up to there?
SOPHY.
[_Guiltily._] I--I heard Captain Bastling mention that he was thinking of having his hand read by Mr. Valma some time or other.
QUEX.
No! ha, ha, ha! [_Leaving the window._] He doesn't see me; I won't disturb him. [_To_ SOPHY, _jocularly._] A convenient arrangement--it is possible to transfer oneself from the manicurist to the palmist without the trouble of putting on one's gloves.
SOPHY.
Ha, ha! y--yes.
QUEX.
[_Pausing on his way to the entrance._] Miss Fullgarney, may I ask if you and Mr. Valma have fixed upon the date of your marriage?
SOPHY.
Oh, we sha'n't get married yet awhile--not for a year or more, I fancy.
QUEX.
[_Graciously._] In that case, I shall hope to have the pleasure, and the privilege, of being present at your wedding--with my wife.
SOPHY.
[_Hanging her head._] Thank you.
QUEX.
Chick--
[_He goes out._
FRAYNE.
[_Turning to_ SOPHY _with dignity._] Miss Fullgarney, one thing I desire to say. It is that your behaviour this morning completely obliterates--the--
[_He is cut short by another hiccup and, with a bow, withdraws._ POLLITT _appears at the window._ SOPHY _goes to the entrance, and watches the departure of_ QUEX _and_ FRAYNE. POLLITT _enters the room. The door-gong sounds._
POLLITT.
Sophy.
SOPHY.
[_Turning._] Oh! Valma, dear?
POLLITT.
[_With a heavy brow._] Captain Bastling is waiting at my place, for Miss Eden.
SOPHY.
[_Subdued._] Is he?
POLLITT.
Dearest, during my brief but, I pride myself, honourable a.s.sociation with palmistry, this is the first time my rooms have been used for this sort of game.
SOPHY.
This sort of game?
POLLITT.
