[_With a look, aside to him._] Monster! [_Aloud._] Of course I can. I hadn't thought of that. [_She takes a sheet of paper._] But how on earth am I to get a stamp? FOULDES. [_Much amused._] I happen to have one on me. LADY FREDERICK. I wonder why on earth you should have English stamps in Monte Carlo? FOULDES. [_Handing her one._] A penny stamp may sometimes save one a hundred louis. LADY FREDERICK. [_Ironically._] Thanks so much. I write the name of my bank on the top, don't I? Pay Madame Claude.... MADAME CLAUDE. Now, it's no good, Lady Frederick, I won't take it. After all I 'ave my self-respect to think of. LADY FREDERICK. It's too late now. MADAME CLAUDE. [_Sniffing a little._] No, no, Lady Frederick. Don't be too 'ard on me. As one lady to another I ask you to forgive me. I did come about my account, but--well, I don't want the money. LADY FREDERICK. [_Looking up good-humouredly._] Well, well. [_She looks at the cheque._] It shall be as you wish. There. [_She tears it up._] MADAME CLAUDE. Oh, thank you, Lady Frederick. I look upon that as a real favour. And now I really must be getting off. LADY FREDERICK. Must you go? Well, good-bye. Paradine, take Madame Claude to her motor. Ada! [_She kisses her on the cheek._ MADAME CLAUDE. [_Going._] I am pleased to have seen you. [PARADINE _offers his arm and goes out with_ MADAME CLAUDE. LADY FREDERICK _goes to the window, stands on a chair and waves her handkerchief. While she is doing this_ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _enters_. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. How d'you do? LADY FREDERICK. [_Getting down._] How nice of you to come. I wanted to see you. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. May I sit down? LADY FREDERICK. Of course. There are one or two things I'd like to talk to you about. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. Yes? LADY FREDERICK. First I must thank you for your great kindness to Gerald. I didn't know last night that he owed you a good deal of money. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. It's a mere trifle. LADY FREDERICK. You must be very rich to call nine hundred pounds that? CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. I am. LADY FREDERICK. [_With a laugh._] All the same it's extremely good of you to give him plenty of time. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. I told Gerald he could have till to-morrow. LADY FREDERICK. Obviously he wants to settle with you as soon as ever he can. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. [_Quietly._] I often wonder why gambling debts are known as debts of honour. LADY FREDERICK. [_Looking at him steadily._] Of course I realise that if you choose to press for the money and Gerald can't pay--he'll have to send in his papers. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. [_Lightly._] You may be quite sure I have no wish to bring about such a calamity. By the way, have you thought over our little talk of last night? LADY FREDERICK. No. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE. You would have been wise to do so. LADY FREDERICK.