[She looks about her and with a half curtsey goes out on the right.]
Robert
[After a short silence.] How are you, Beatty? And how are all down in Youghal? As dull as ever?
Beatrice
They were well when I left.
Robert
[Politely.] O, but I'm sorry I did not know you were coming. I would have met you at the train. Why did you do it? You have some queer ways about you, Beatty, haven't you?
Beatrice
[In the same tone.] Thank you, Robert. I am quite used to getting about alone.
Robert
Yes, but I mean to say . . . O, well, you have arrived in your own characteristic way.
[A noise is heard at the window and a boy's voice is heard calling, "Mr Hand!" Robert turns.]
By Jove, Archie, too, is arriving in a characteristic way!
[Archie scrambles into the room through the open window on the left and then rises to his feet, flushed and panting. Archie is a boy of eight years, dressed in white breeches, jersey and cap. He wears spectacles, has a lively manner and speaks with the slight trace of a foreign accent.]
Beatrice
[Going towards him.] Goodness gracious, Archie! What is the matter?
