PERCY. Well, you're two dutifully loving young women, I must say. MAGGIE. You forget--we're used to it. [_PERCY goes out._] Come, Sybil, and take off your things. _Exeunt SYBIL and MAGGIE._ _Enter WALTER FOSTER, a man of about 35, prosperous looking, rather stout of build, and fair. CHARLEY also enters, and PERCY._ FOSTER. [_looking round for MAGGIE._] Good afternoon. [_Shakes hands with MRS. M. and MASSEY._] MRS. M. She's gone up with Sybil, Walter. FOSTER. Oh! I was afraid she was out, perhaps. MASSEY. Well, Charles, you're not looking spry. CHARLEY. I'm a bit seedy--nothing much. MASSEY. And when's that madman lodger of yours going, eh? CHARLEY. To-morrow. MASSEY. Of all the fools he's the biggest I know. _The door opens, and SYBIL and MAGGIE come back._ MAGGIE. I was just telling Sybil, Percy, that tea is laid in the sitting-room. We didn't know when you'd be in. _She crosses up to FOSTER and lifts her face to be kissed._ SYBIL. Isn't she dreadful? MASSEY. Well, you won't be alone, don't you worry. Charley here wants some tea, and Lil will have to see he gets it, won't you, Lil? LILY. Yes, Dad. MAGGIE. [_to FOSTER._] Have you had tea? FOSTER. Yes, thanks. _Exeunt all, except MASSEY, MAGGIE and FOSTER._ MASSEY. [_finally he looks at the TWO, then at the clock; poking the fire, then humming a little._] Have you seen the "Argus," Mag? MAGGIE. In the kitchen. I'll get it. [_Makes a move to the door._] MASSEY. No, no, I'm going out. _Goes._ MAGGIE. Father calls that tact. FOSTER. [_coming over to her._] What? MAGGIE. Didn't you notice? He doesn't want the "Argus," really. FOSTER. [_just understanding._] You mean he's left us together? MAGGIE. Yes. FOSTER. Awfully kind of him! I say, Maggie, you don't mind my coming, do you? I really had to. We--hadn't made arrangements about Tuesday. _MAGGIE laughing a little sadly._ MAGGIE. And you couldn't write them? You are very good to me, Walter. FOSTER. Don't talk like that. _A pause._ Maggie, I--you haven't kissed me yet. MAGGIE. I did--when you came in. FOSTER. No--I kissed _you._ MAGGIE. I'm sorry--I--I don't care for kissing in front of people. FOSTER. [_getting bolder._] There's no one here now. _MAGGIE rises, turns, and looking at him very straight, then lifts her face--pause--and going to him, kisses him on the lips. He keeps her close to him till she gently moves herself away._ I've got something here--you said the other day you wanted--you would like one of those Dutch brooches. _He puts his hand in his coat pocket and brings out a little parcel._ Here it is! MAGGIE. [_unfastens it._] It _is_ good of you! You are so thoughtful! _She looks at him._ I suppose-- [_She kisses him again._] _Delighted, he keeps hold of her hand. She looks at him and then at her hand imprisoned in his, and then away at the fire._ FOSTER. What's the matter, dear?