CAPT. G. Have you?
MRS. H. You _know_ I have! I've been as foolish as a schoolgirl about
it. I made a little calendar and put it in my card-case, and every
time the twelve o'clock gun went off I scratched out a square and said:
'That brings me nearer to Pip. _My_ Pip!'
CAPT. G. (_With an uneasy laugh_.) What will Mackler think if you
neglect him so?
MRS. H. And it hasn't brought you nearer. You seem farther away than
ever. Are you sulking about something? I know your temper.
CAPT. G. No.
MRS. H. Have I grown old in the last few months, then? (_Reaches forward
to bank of flowers for menu-card_.)
MRS. H. (_To partner_.) Oh, thanks. I didn't see.
MRS. H. _Keeps her arm at full stretch for three seconds_.
PARTNER ON LEFT. Allow me. (_Hands menu-card_.) (_Turns right again_.)
Is anything in me changed at all?
CAPT. G. For Goodness' sake go on with your dinner! You must eat
something. Try one of those cutlet arrangements. (_Aside_.) And I
fancied she had good shoulders, once upon a time! What an ass a man
can make of himself!
MRS. H. (_Helping herself to a paper frill, seven peas, some stamped
carrots and a spoonful of gravy_.
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