PAULA And such a father. (_They kiss; the telephone rings._) Oh, let me. (_She goes to phone._) Good evening, Mrs. Sabine. (RANDOLPH _starts a bit, unnoticed_.) I thought you were ill. Mr. Sabine was telling father. I believe he’s in the library. Father will take the message: he’s here. Do take care of yourself: just think what Mr. Sabine would do if you were ill. Good night. (_She hands receiver to father, who half pauses, thinking she will leave the room; but she lingers over her book._) RANDOLPH Good evening. (_Half pointedly_) Yes, my daughter is here. Anything I can do? Do you want my advice? Oh, whatever is wisest. Of course I’ll tell Mr. Sabine. I hope it’s nothing serious. (_He hangs up receiver, concealing from_ PAULA _his displeasure_.) PAULA She seemed excited. RANDOLPH Woman’s nerves. PAULA Funny I never have them. RANDOLPH You’re not married. PAULA You’re going to see her? RANDOLPH She’s on her way here. PAULA Here? Then you will tell Mr. Sabine she’s coming? RANDOLPH Yes. But you’re tired, dear. PAULA I’ll feel better with my things off. Good night. (_She pauses at her door._) Father; she and Mr. Sabine are happily married, aren’t they? RANDOLPH Of course, of course. PAULA I’m glad to hear so. RANDOLPH Why? PAULA (_Glancing at him_) Then it couldn’t be about _that_. (_She closes the door softly._ RANDOLPH _looks after her puzzled, then walks up and down alone very much irritated. He takes out his check book, glancing through the stubs cynically. Then he throws it back into the table drawer. Finally he picks up the phone, obviously switching it._) RANDOLPH Is that you, Sabine? You’ve found what you want? You won’t need me any more? Well, stick close to it. I just wished to see. Good night. (_He switches it off again and impatiently waits._) Is that you, Brooks? Tell Toder to have the car ready. I may need it later. No, the closed car--it’s chilly. Oh, by the way, (_trying to be casual_), in case _I_ should be out, Mr. Sabine is expecting Mrs. Sabine. Let her come right up to the library. What’s that? Better see who it is. (_Showing displeasure._) I’ll tell Mr. Sabine myself. Yes; if you’re sure it’s Mrs. Sabine, better let her come up here. That’ll be all for to-night. (_He hangs up the receiver, walks up and down again and finally opens the hall door. There is quite a pause as he stands, smoking a cigarette, awaiting her. Finally_, MRS. SABINE _enters, leaving the door open_. _She is in her late twenties, of rather restless beauty, which under her shifting expression becomes hard and cynical. She apparently has little resistance and suggests a love of excitement and sensation. Her manner is flighty though worldly. She is handsomely dressed, with beautiful furs upon her sensuous shoulders._) RANDOLPH (_Abruptly_) What the devil does this mean? MRS. SABINE We’re alone? RANDOLPH Naturally. MRS. SABINE (_Half flippantly_)