SOPHY.

[From the private room.] Oh, no, madam, I promise I won’t forget.  Certainly not, I take too much interest in your daughter’s nails for that.

MISS MOON.

This is her.

[A middle-aged lady enters from the private room, followed by SOPHY FULLGARNEY. The customer pays at the desk while SOPHY rattles on. SOPHY is a pretty, elegant, innocently vulgar, fascinating young woman of six-and-twenty.

SOPHY.

[With the air of the proprietress of a prosperous establishment.] Oh, yes, it did slip my memory to come on Thursday, didn’t it?  The truth is I had a most racking head, a thing I never have—­well, I oughtn’t to say never have, ought I? [To MISS LIMBIRD.] Now, Miss Limbird, see that two pots of Creme de Mimosa are posted to Mrs. Arment, Carlos Place; and book me, please—­me—­you thoroughly understand?—­to attend upon Miss Arment to-morrow evening at seven. [Accompanying the customer, who now withdraws.] To-morrow evening at seven—­without fail. [Raising her voice.] The door, Miss Claridge.  Good morning, madam.  Good afternoon.

[The door-gong sounds.

SOPHY.

Come, girls, you can get to your lunches.

[MISS LIMBIRD leaves her desk and goes out.

MISS MOON.

Here’s Mr. Valma, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

[With a little gasp.] Mr. Valma. [Approaching him.] How do you do?

POLLITT.

[Advancing.] Pardon me for the liberty I have taken in again crossing the leads.

SOPHY.

[Looking away from him.] No liberty at all.

POLLITT.

I desire a few words with you, Miss Fullgarney, and it struck me that at this time of the day—­

SOPHY.

Yes, there’s nothing doing here just at lunch-time.

POLLITT.

Perhaps you would graciously allow me to converse with you while you—­

SOPHY.

[Regaining her self-possession.] Oh, I had my lunch an hour ago; I came over so ravenous. [Going to MISS MOON, who is still lost in admiration of POLLITT—­in a whisper.] Be off, child.  Don’t stand staring at Mr. Valma.

MISS MOON.

[In SOPHY’S ear.] I think I’ve got him another!

SOPHY.

Shut up!

[MISS MOON withdraws, with her bowl and towel.

SOPHY.

[To POLLITT.] Did you catch what she said?  Oh, it doesn’t matter if you did; you know we are all working for you, like niggers.

POLLITT.

[Tenderly.] Ah!

SOPHY.

Not a customer leaves my place without having heard your name mentioned. 
My girls are regular bricks.

POLLITT.

[Approaching her.] And what are you?

SOPHY.