it kind of you, Pip? And I've been looking forward so much to
your coming.

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.)

PARTNER ON LEFT. Allow me. (Hands menu-card. MRS. H.
keeps her arm at full stretch for three seconds.)

MRS. H. (To partner.) Oh, thanks. I didn't see. (Turns right again.)
Is anything in me changed at all?

CAPT. G. For Goodness's 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