[_Robert Hand, in evening dress, is seated at the piano. The candles are not lit but the lamp on the table is lit. He plays softly in the bass the first bars of Wolfram’s song in the last act of ‘Tannhäuser’. Then he breaks off and, resting an elbow on the ledge of the keyboard, meditates. Then he rises and, pulling out a pump from behind the piano, walks here and there in the room ejecting from it into the air sprays of perfume. He inhales the air slowly and then puts the pump back behind the piano. He sits down on a chair near the table and, smoothing his hair carefully, sighs once or twice. Then, thrusting his hands into his trousers pockets, he leans back, stretches out his legs, and waits. A knock is heard at the street door. He rises quickly._] ROBERT. [_Exclaims._] Bertha! [_He hurries out by the door on the right. There is a noise of confused greeting. After a few moments Robert enters, followed by Richard Rowan, who is in grey tweeds as before but holds in one hand a dark felt hat and in the other an umbrella._] ROBERT. First of all let me put these outside. [_He takes the hat and umbrella, leaves them in the hall and returns._] ROBERT. [_Pulling round a chair._] Here you are. You are lucky to find me in. Why didn’t you tell me today? You were always a devil for surprises. I suppose my evocation of the past was too much for your wild blood. See how artistic I have become. [_He points to the walls._] The piano is an addition since your time. I was just strumming out Wagner when you came. Killing time. You see I am ready for the fray. [_Laughs._] I was just wondering how you and the vicechancellor were getting on together. [_With exaggerated alarm._] But are you going in that suit? O well, it doesn’t make much odds, I suppose. But how goes the time? [_He takes out his watch._] Twenty past eight already, I declare! RICHARD. Have you an appointment? ROBERT. [_Laughs nervously._] Suspicious to the last! RICHARD. Then I may sit down? ROBERT. Of course, of course. [_They both sit down._] For a few minutes, anyhow. Then we can both go on together. We are not bound for time. Between eight and nine, he said, didn’t he? What time is it, I wonder? [_Is about to look again at his watch; then stops._] Twenty past eight, yes. RICHARD. [_Wearily, sadly._] Your appointment also was for the same hour. Here. ROBERT. What appointment? RICHARD. With Bertha. ROBERT. [_Stares at him._] Are you mad? RICHARD. Are you? ROBERT. [_After a long pause._] Who told you? RICHARD. She. [_A short silence._]