Part 82

Unless-- unless you've an idea of consoling yourself shortly with-- with another chap, and prefer not to carry the matter into Court.

LILY.

JEYES.

FARNCOMBE.

LILY.

JEYES.

LILY.

Why, what-- what would become of my resolutions----?

JEYES.

Resolutions?

LILY.

To-- to raise you up, Nicko.

JEYES.

You are raising me up-- setting me on my legs again.

LILY.

JEYES.

Oh, we've talked of that too, he and I. He's given me an account of what passed between you here. My dear girl, your conscience may be quite clear on that point. Nobody can ever reproach you with trying to draw him into your net.

LILY.

They would-- they would----

JEYES.

At all events, the task you have to face now is to prove to the world-- his world-- that Miss Parradell is equal to playing "lead" on a bigger stage than the stage of the Pandora. [Holding her at arms' length and shaking her fondly.] And you'll do it! Ho, ho, ho, ho! You'll do it! Ha, ha, ha--! [His voice dies away miserably and he releases her. Then, pulling himself together, he looks at his watch.] Well, I've got to lunch with Bob at half-past one at the Junior Carlton----

LILY.

JEYES.

Ha, ha, ha----!

LILY.

JEYES.

FARNCOMBE.

Yes.