Collins.  Bless you, maam! one could always see that. [To Mrs Bridgenorth] Will you receive here or in the hall, maam?

Mrs Bridgenorth.  In the hall.  Alfred:  you and Boxer must go there and be ready to keep the first arrivals talking till we come.  We have to dress Edith.  Come, Lesbia:  come, Leo:  we must all help.  Now, Edith. [Lesbia, Leo, and Edith go out through the tower].  Collins:  we shall want you when Miss Edith’s dressed to look over her veil and things and see that theyre all right.

Collins.  Yes, maam.  Anything you would like mentioned about Miss Lesbia, maam?

Mrs Bridgenorth.  No.  She wont have the General.  I think you may take that as final.

Collins.  What a pity, maam!  A fine lady wasted, maam. [They shake their heads sadly; and Mrs Bridgenorth goes out through the tower].

The bishop.  I’m going to the hall, Collins, to receive.  Rejjy:  go and tell Boxer; and come both of you to help with the small talk.  Come, Cecil. [He goes out through the tower, followed by Sykes].

Reginald [to Hotchkiss] Youve always talked a precious lot about behaving like a gentleman.  Well, if you think youve behaved like a gentleman to Leo, youre mistaken.  And I shall have to take her part, remember that.

Hotchkiss.  I understand.  Your doors are closed to me.

Reginald [quickly] Oh no.  Dont be hasty.  I think I should like you to drop in after a while, you know.  She gets so cross and upset when theres nobody to liven up the house a bit.

Hotchkiss.  I’ll do my best.

Reginald [relieved] Righto.  You wont mind, old chap, do you?

Hotchkiss.  It’s Fate.  Ive touched coal; and my hands are black; but theyre clean.  So long, Rejjy. [They shake hands; and Reginald goes into the garden to collect Boxer].

Collins.  Excuse me, sir; but do you stay to breakfast?  Your name is on one of the covers; and I should like to change it if youre not remaining.

Hotchkiss.  How do I know?  Is my destiny any longer in my own hands?  Go:  ask she who must be obeyed.

Collins [awestruck] Has Mrs George taken a fancy to you, sir?

Hotchkiss.  Would she had!  Worse, man, worse:  Ive taken a fancy to Mrs George.

Collins.  Dont despair, sir:  if George likes your conversation youll find their house a very pleasant one—­livelier than Mr Reginald’s was, I daresay.

Hotchkiss [calling] Polly.

Collins [promptly] Oh, if it’s come to Polly already, sir, I should say you were all right.

Mrs George appears at the door of the study.

Hotchkiss.  Your brother-in-law wishes to know whether I’m to stay for the wedding breakfast.  Tell him.

Mrs George.  He stays, Bill, if he chooses to behave himself.