ROBERT. [_After a short silence._] How are you, Beatty? And how are all down in Youghal? As dull as ever? BEATRICE. They were well when I left. ROBERT. [_Politely._] O, but I’m sorry I did not know you were coming. I would have met you at the train. Why did you do it? You have some queer ways about you, Beatty, haven’t you? BEATRICE. [_In the same tone._] Thank you, Robert. I am quite used to getting about alone. ROBERT. Yes, but I mean to say... O, well, you have arrived in your own characteristic way. [_A noise is heard at the window and a boy’s voice is heard calling, ‘Mr Hand!’ Robert turns._] By Jove, Archie, too, is arriving in a characteristic way! [_Archie scrambles into the room through the open window on the left and then rises to his feet, flushed and panting. Archie is a boy of eight years, dressed in white breeches, jersey and cap. He wears spectacles, has a lively manner and speaks with the slight trace of a foreign accent._] BEATRICE. [_Going towards him._] Goodness gracious, Archie! What is the matter? ARCHIE. [_Rising, out of breath._] Eh! I ran all the avenue. ROBERT. [_Smiles and holds out his hand._] Good evening, Archie. Why did you run? ARCHIE. [_Shakes hands._] Good evening. We saw you on the top of the tram, and I shouted _Mr Hand!_ But you did not see me. But we saw you, mamma and I. She will be here in a minute. I ran. BEATRICE. [_Holding out her hand._] And poor me! ARCHIE. [_Shakes hands somewhat shyly._] Good evening, Miss Justice. BEATRICE. Were you disappointed that I did not come last Friday for the lesson? ARCHIE. [_Glancing at her, smiles._] No. BEATRICE. Glad? ARCHIE. [_Suddenly._] But today it is too late. BEATRICE. A very short lesson? ARCHIE. [_Pleased._] Yes. BEATRICE. But now you must study, Archie. ROBERT. Were you at the bath? ARCHIE. Yes. ROBERT. Are you a good swimmer now? ARCHIE. [_Leans against the davenport._] No. Mamma won’t let me into the deep place. Can you swim well, Mr Hand? ROBERT. Splendidly. Like a stone. ARCHIE. [_Laughs._] Like a stone! [_Pointing down._] Down that way? ROBERT. [_Pointing._] Yes, down; straight down. How do you say that over in Italy? ARCHIE. That? _Giù._ [_Pointing down and up._] That is _giù_ and this is _su_. Do you want to speak to my pappie? ROBERT. Yes. I came to see him. ARCHIE. [_Going towards the study._] I will tell him. He is in there, writing. BEATRICE. [_Calmly, looking at Robert._] No; he is out. He is gone to the post with some letters. ROBERT. [_Lightly._] O, never mind. I will wait if he is only gone to the post. ARCHIE. But mamma is coming. [_He glances towards the window._] Here she is!