CHARLEY. I'm going to-day, Mag. I've arranged everything. I couldn't stand it. I had to go. I've written to Lil. She'll be all right for money--I've thought of that and I shall soon send for her. I know I shall, and then she'll be glad I did it. I look a brute, but, Mag, it's got to be. [_Postman's knock on front door._] Hush! Here comes Lil--don't breathe a word-- MAGGIE. To-day! _LILY enters with letters._ LILY. Here's the post. Two for you, dear. [_Gives letters to CHARLEY, who, however, doesn't look at them, but goes up to map._] MAGGIE. [_quickly._] I'll call back for you, to go to the station. CHARLEY. All right. _MAGGIE goes out hurriedly._ LILY. I'm sure you're ready for breakfast now, dear--and you won't have very much time. CHARLEY. I'm not very hungry. LILY. It was so nice of Mr. Leslie to come in like that, wasn't it? CHARLEY. Yes. He means all right. LILY. [_as he eats._] They're very nice neighbours. I think we're very lucky to have them. CHARLEY. Um. You were up very early. You'll be tired to-night. LILY. These things don't often happen, do they, and I can keep better hours in future. We generally go along so regularly, don't we? CHARLEY. [_suddenly turning from his breakfast._] Yes. LILY. I've been thinking, dear, that we shall feel a little dull to-night without Mr. Tennant. Shall we go to the theatre?--something light-- CHARLEY. Oh--no--I don't think so-- LILY. Shall we ask the Leslies for whist? CHARLEY. [_rising._] No--not them--it doesn't matter, Lil--unless you'd rather. LILY. Oh, I shall be quite happy at home, by ourselves. I am so glad you would prefer that, dear. [_She goes up to him._] CHARLEY. I haven't been up to much in the company line lately, have I? LILY. You'll be better now, dear. What time shall you be home? CHARLEY. OK--er--you know my usual-- LILY. Yes, dear. Don't be late. I've got something to tell you--which will please you, I think. CHARLEY. Have you? LILY. Would you like to hear it now? CHARLEY. Is it important? LILY. _Is_ it important? You'll have to be such a good man soon, dear--you'll have to set a good example. CHARLEY. [_uneasily._] What do you mean? LILY. Can't you guess? How dull you are! Bend down and let me tell you. [_She pulls down his face and whispers._] CHARLEY. [_pulling himself away._] What! God! [_Taking her by the arms._] CHARLEY. [_turning away a second, and then turning back._] Is that true? LILY. Yes, dear. CHARLEY. Lil--I. . . . LILY. You _are_ pleased! But of course you are. CHARLEY. Of course, dear. LILY. Isn't it lovely to think of! And can't you imagine mother as grandmamma! Won't she be a fuss! Why, you're quite overcome. There! Go away and get ready. You didn't open your letters. There's the door. I suppose it's Maggie back. _LILY goes out, and re-enters a moment after with MAGGIE._ _They meet CHARLEY going out, and MAGGIE, looking at him almost stops him._ MAGGIE. What have you been saying to Charley, Lil? LILY. Why?