_In the wall facing the auditorium, two windows with little iron balconies, giving a view of London roofs. Between the windows, against the wall, is a writing-desk littered with papers and books. On the right is a door, leading into the passage; on the left a fire-place with arm-chairs on either side; on the chimney-piece various smoking utensils. There are numerous bookshelves filled with books; while on the walls are one or two Delft plates, etchings after Rossetti, autotypes of paintings by Fra Angelico and Botticelli. The furniture is simple and inexpensive, but there is nothing ugly in the room. It is the dwelling-place of a person who reads a great deal and takes pleasure in beautiful things._ BASIL KENT _is leaning back in his chair, with his feet on the writing-table, smoking a pipe and cutting the pages of a book. He is a very good-looking man of six-and-twenty, clean-shaven, with a delicate face and clear-cut features. He is dressed in a lounge-suit._ [_There is a knock at the door._ BASIL. Come in. MRS. GRIGGS. Did you ring, sir? BASIL. Yes. I expect a lady to tea. And there's a cake that I bought on my way in. MRS. GRIGGS. Very well, sir. [_She goes out, and immediately comes in with a tray on which are two cups, sugar, milk, &c._ BASIL. Oh, Mrs. Griggs, I want to give up these rooms this day week. I'm going to be married. I'm sorry to leave you. You've made me very comfortable. MRS. GRIGGS. [_With a sigh of resignation._] Ah, well, sir, that's lodgers all over. If they're gents they get married; and if they're ladies they ain't respectable. [_A ring is heard._ BASIL. There's the bell, Mrs. Griggs. I dare say it's the lady I expect. If any one else comes, I'm not at home. MRS. GRIGGS. Very well, sir. [_She goes out, and_ BASIL _occupies himself for a moment in putting things in order_. MRS. GRIGGS, _opening the door, ushers in the new-comers_. MRS. GRIGGS. If you please, sir. [_She goes out again, and during the next few speeches brings two more cups and the tea._