Part 12

ROPER.

With Morrie Cooling and Vincent Bland thrown in.

JEYES.

ROPER.

I was behind when Morrie was going round to the dressing-rooms.

JEYES.

ROPER.

JEYES.

Are you asked?

ROPER.

JEYES.

Since when have you been a member of the Company?

ROPER.

No, but-- dash it, I've done business for Carlton in the City for twenty years or more----!

JEYES.

That doesn't make you one.

ROPER.

And I'm an old friend of Lil's.

JEYES.

Not older than I. [Violently.] Why the blazes doesn't Smythe invite me?

ROPER.

JEYES.

Sorry, sorry, sorry. [Leaning back and thrusting his hands into his pocket.] Well, I'll put Jack and the Linthornes off. They don't want to sup with me; I shouldn't amuse 'em. [Gazing at the carpet.] Her birthday, though! It'll be the first time I shall have been out of that for-- how many years?-- six years. I---- [Raising his head, he detects MRS. UPJOHN and ROPER eyeing each other uncomfortably.] Anything the matter?

ROPER.

T-t-the matter?

JEYES.

MRS. UPJOHN.

Game?