Present Mr.
Knowle's compliments, and say that I shall be very much honoured if he
will drink a glass of whiskey with me before proceeding on his
journey.
ALICE. Yes, sir.
MR. KNOWLE. And then--bring in the whiskey.
ALICE. Yes, sir. (She goes out. In a little while she comes back
followed by the stranger, who is dressed from head to foot in a long
cloak.) Mr. Gervase Mallory.
[She goes out.
MR. KNOWLE. How do you do, Mr. Mallory? I'm very glad to see you.
(They shake hands.)
GERVASE. It's very kind of you. I really must apologise for bothering
you like this. I'm afraid I'm being an awful nuisance.
MR. KNOWLE. Not at all. Are you going far?
GERVASE. Collingham. I live at Little Malling, about twenty miles
away. Do you know it?
MR. KNOWLE. Yes. I've been through it. I didn't know it was as far
away as that.
GERVASE (with a laugh). Well, perhaps only by the way I came. The fact
is I've lost myself rather.
MR. KNOWLE. I'm afraid you have. Collingham. You oughtn't to have come
within five miles of us.
GERVASE. I suppose I oughtn't.
MR. KNOWLE. Well, all the more reason for having a drink now that you
_are_ here.
GERVASE. It's awfully kind of you.
(ALICE comes in.
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