PAMELA. He's worried about something. I tried to get him to tell me as we came from the station, but he wouldn't. GERALD. Poor old Bob! I suppose things are going up--or down, or something. Brokerage one-eighth--that's what's worrying him, I expect. PAMELA. I think he wants to talk to you about it. Be nice to him, darling, won't you? GERALD (surprised). Nice to him? PAMELA. You know what I mean--sympathetic. I know it's a difficult relationship--brothers. GERALD. All relationships are difficult. But after you, he's the person I love best in the world. (With a laugh) But I don't propose to fall on his neck and tell him so. PAMELA (smiling). I know you will help him if you can. GERALD. Of course I will, though I don't quite see how. (Hopefully) Perhaps he's only slicing his drives again. PAMELA. Oh, I love you, Gerald. (Wonderingly) _Do_ I love you, or am I only just charmed by you? GERALD. You said you loved me once. You can't go back on that. PAMELA. Then I love you. And make a century for me on Monday. GERALD. Well, I'll try. Of course the bowler may be in love too. But even if I get out first ball, I can say, "Well, anyhow, Pamela loves me." PAMELA. Oh, I think I hope you get out first ball. GERALD. Baby Pamela. PAMELA. And on Thursday we shall be alone together here, and you've promised to take me out in the boat for the day. GERALD. You mean you've promised to let me. PAMELA. What happy days there are in the world! [Enter BOB from the garden.] GERALD. Hullo, Bob. Tea? (He moves towards the door.) BOB. Cigarettes. (He goes over to the fireplace and fills his cigarette case.) GERALD. Still, I expect tea's nearly ready. PAMELA (going towards door R. at the back). I'll join you; I'm not going out without a sunshade again. [Exit.] (There is an awkward silence.) BOB (to GERALD). I say! GERALD (turning round). Hullo! BOB. Just wait a moment. (GERALD comes back slowly.) GERALD. I warn you those are rotten cigarettes. (Holds out his own case) BOB (taking one). Thanks. (Awkwardly) You're so confoundedly difficult to get hold of nowadays. Never less than half-a-dozen all round you. GERALD (laughing). Good old Bob! BOB (after lighting a cigarette). I want to talk to you about something. GERALD. Well, of course. BOB (after a pause). You've heard of Marcus, my partner? GERALD (with the idea of putting himself and BOB more at their ease). Good old Marcus and Farringdon! It's the most perfect name for a firm. They sound so exactly as though they could sell you anything from a share to a shaving-brush. Marcus and Farringdon's pure badger, two shillings--gilt-edged badger half-a-crown. BOB (fiercely). I suppose everything is just a pleasant joke to you. GERALD (utterly surprised). Bob! Bob, old boy, what's the matter? (Putting his hand on BOB'S shoulder) I say, Bob, I haven't hurt you, have I? BOB (hopelessly). Oh, Jerry, I believe I'm in the devil of a hole.