Oh, but can’t you climb somewhere up the tree and hide yourself like a bird among the branches? BILL. What?... LADY PATRICIA. It’s the only thing to do. And so simple! And so romantic! BILL. Yes, that’s all right. But supposing they see me—what am I to say? LADY PATRICIA. Oh, anything! Use a little imagination.... Say you are looking for birds’ eggs. But they won’t see you if you lie along that thick branch up there. BILL. Birds’-nesting.... LADY PATRICIA. I shall pretend to be asleep. BILL. Why? LADY PATRICIA. Why not? BILL. (_Grumbling as he moves towards the trunk._) I’ll look such a bally ass if they spot me.... LADY PATRICIA. Bill! BILL. Eh? LADY PATRICIA. This glass mustn’t be found here. BILL. By Jove! (_He returns and takes hold of the glass, which is half-full._) LADY PATRICIA. And the cup and saucer.... BILL. Good Lord! (_He stands helplessly, the cup and saucer in one hand, the glass in the other._) LADY PATRICIA. Put them into your pockets. BILL. But—— LADY PATRICIA. Quick—quick! (_He drinks the whisky._) Now the tea. (_He makes as though to throw it away._) No! no! they might see or hear. Drink it. BILL. I really couldn’t. LADY PATRICIA. For my sake. BILL. (_Gulping it down._) Muck! (_Making for the tree._) By Jove, they’re nearly here! LADY PATRICIA. (_Pointing to the left._) I really must have another ladder built on this side. BILL. I hope they won’t see me climbing. (_He starts climbing the tree._) LADY PATRICIA. Be small—for my sake.... (_She composes herself elaborately into a sleeping posture. BILL is seen disappearing on high. Voices are audible beneath. A pause._) BILL. (_He has climbed out of sight._) I say.... LADY PATRICIA. S-sh!... BILL. It’s all right. They’re standin’ about talkin’. Can you see me? LADY PATRICIA. Where are you? BILL. Here. LADY PATRICIA. Oh, yes, I see.... BILL. The devil you do! What part o’ me? LADY PATRICIA. Er—well—your—your back.... BILL. Damn! Oh, confound this beastly cup and saucer! They keep on rattling. LADY PATRICIA. Put the saucer in the other pocket. BILL. The glass is in the other pocket. LADY PATRICIA. Have you only two pockets? BILL. Hush! they’re coming.