Well, it's a queer game, but being
in the 'Ouse of Commons, one can't never be surprised. All sorts, as
you might say, _all_ sorts.
[Exit PERKINS.
(THE STRANGER, left alone, walks up and down the room, nervously
impatient.)
(LADY PEMBURY comes in. In twenty-eight years of happy married life,
she has mothered one husband and five daughters, but she has never had
a son--her only sorrow. Her motto might be, "It is just as easy to be
kind"; and whether you go to her for comfort or congratulation, you
will come away feeling that she is the only person who really
understands.)
LADY PEMBURY. Oh! (She stops and then comes towards THE STRANGER) How
do you do? Are you waiting to see my husband?
STRANGER (taken aback at seeing her). Yes.
(He is not sure for the moment if this upsets his plans or forwards
them.)
LADY PEMBURY. I think he's engaged just now. But he won't be long.
Perkins will tell him as soon as he is free.
STRANGER (contemptuously). His name is Perkins, is it?
LADY PEMBURY (surprised). The butler? Yes.
STRANGER (contemptuously). Mister Perkins, the Butler.
LADY PEMBURY (with a friendly smile). You don't _mind_ our having a
butler? (She picks up some work from the table and takes it to the
sofa)
STRANGER (shrugging his shoulders).
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