[_To_ GREEN.] For shame, Mr. Green! Have you been flattering me again? GREEN. Haw, haw, haw, haw----! ROOPE. [_Standing near_ PHILIP.] Madame de Chaumie---- OTTOLINE. [_Advancing._] Yes? ROOPE. Here's an old friend of ours whom you haven't met for years--Mackworth. [_She starts and then waits, rooted, for_ PHILIP's _approach. He replaces the figure carefully and comes to her, and their hands touch._ ROOPE _leaves them and engages the others in conversation._ OTTOLINE. [_To_ PHILIP, _in a low voice, her eyes sparkling._] I had no idea I was to have this pleasure. PHILIP. [_Gently, but without exceeding the bounds of mere courtesy._] Robbie excels in surprises; he has been almost equally reserved with me. Are you very well? OTTOLINE. Very. And you? PHILIP. Very. And Sir Randle and Lady Filson? OTTOLINE. Quite well--and my brother Bertram. [_Chilled._] Perhaps you've heard that I am making my home with them now in London, permanently--that I've left Paris? PHILIP. Robbie--and the newspapers--have told me. It's late in the day to do it--may I offer you my sympathy? OTTOLINE. [_With a stately inclination of the head._] Thank you. And I my congratulations on your success? PHILIP. [_Quietly._] Success! OTTOLINE. [_Comprehending._] Ah? _Le public est si bete._ I've read every line you've written, I believe. [_He bows._] I--I have felt proud to think that we were once--that we were once--not _des inconnus_. [_He bows again, and there is silence between them. The dining-room door opens and_ NOYES _presents himself. A waiter is seen in the dining-room, standing at the side table._ NOYES. [_To_ ROOPE.] Lunch is served, sir. ROOPE. [_To everybody._] Come along! Come along, dear excellent friends! [OTTOLINE _smiles graciously at_ PHILIP _and turns from him._] Lead the way, dear Mrs. Anslow. Madame de Chaumie! [MRS. ANSLOW _slips her arm through_ OTTOLINE.] You both sit opposite the fireplace. Dear Mrs. Wally! Come along, my dear Phil! [_Putting an arm round_ GREEN_'s shoulder._] Colly----!