'Jolly! I should think it would. Now I'll tell you my scheme--what I've made up my mind to do.' 'What?' 'I'm going to write a play.' Edith controlled her expression, and said it was a very good idea. '_Such_ a play,' said Bruce. 'A really strong, powerful piece--all wit and cynicism like Bernard Shaw--_but_, full of heart and feeling and sentiment, and that sort of rot. It'll have all sorts of jolly fantastic ideas--like _Peter Pan_ and _The Beloved Vagabond_, but without the faults of Locke and Barrie--and it's going to be absolutely realistic and natural in parts--like the Sicilians, you know. However, I don't mind telling you that my model--you must have a model, more or less--is going to be Bernard Shaw. I like his style.' 'It's the most lovely idea I ever heard of. What theatre are you going to produce it at?' 'That depends. For some things I should prefer His Majesty's, but I'm rather fond of the Haymarket, too. However, if the terms were better, I might give it to Charlie Hawtrey, or even Alexander, if he offered me exceptionally good royalties.' 'Oh! Are you going to have it put up to auction?' 'Don't talk nonsense. What do you mean? No, I shall simply send a copy round to all the principal people and see what they say.' He walked up and down the room once or twice. 'The reason I'm so determined not to let Bourchier have it is simply this: he doesn't realise my idea--he never could. Mind you, I believe he would do his best, but his Personality is against him. Do you see, Edith?' 'I see your point. But--' 'There's no reason why it shouldn't be quite as great a success as _The Merry Widow_.' 'Oh, is it going to be a comic opera?' 'Why, of course not. Don't I tell you it's to be a powerful play of real life.' 'Will you tell me the plot?' He smiled rather fatuously. 'I'll tell you some of the plot, certainly, if you like--at least, I'll tell you how it's going to begin.' 'Do go on!'-- 'Well, I must tell you it begins in a rather unconventional way--entirely different from most plays; but that'll make it all the more striking, and I _won't_ alter it--mind that--not for anybody. Well, the curtain goes up, and you find two servants--do you see?--talking over their master and mistress. The maid--her name's Parker--is dusting the photographs and things, and she says to the manservant something about "The mistress does seem in a tantrum, doesn't she, Parker?" So he says--' 'But are they both called Parker?' asked Edith. 'Yes--no--of course not. I forgot; it's the man that's called Parker. But that isn't the point. Well, they talk, and gradually let out a little of the plot. Then two friends of the hero come in, and--oh, I can't bother to tell you any more now; but isn't it rather a good idea, eh? So new!' 'Capital! Splendid! Such a lovely original idea. I do wish you'd be quick and do it, Bruce.' 'I am being quick; but you mustn't be in too great a hurry; you must give me time.'