No, no; I'll see them, if you wish me to. [_Nodding._] We'll be open and above-board from the start. OTTOLINE. Ha, ha! [_Sighing happily._] Ah-h-h-h! PHILIP. [_His tone changing to one of misgiving._] Ah, Otto, I begin to be afraid that I oughtn't--that I oughtn't to have spoken to you---- OTTOLINE. Why? PHILIP. [_Gravely._] You will never be patient--you'll never be content to wait, if need be! OTTOLINE. Content, no. But _patient_! [_In a whisper._] Shall I tell you a secret? PHILIP. Well? OTTOLINE. I've been waiting--waiting for you--in my dreams--for ten years! PHILIP. [_Ardently._] Otto----! OTTOLINE. Isn't _that_ patience? [_Their lips meet in a lingering kiss. The handle of the door on the left is heard to rattle. Looking at the door, they draw back from one another. The handle rattles again._ PHILIP. It's that idiot Robbie. OTTOLINE. Ha, ha, ha, ha----! [_The door opens, and_ ROOPE _appears, with an air of unconcern._ ROOPE. [_Humming._] Tra, lal, lal, la----! _That's_ done, dear excellent friends! [_Closing the door, and coming forward._] Upon my word, letters are the curse of one's existence----! OTTOLINE. Ha, ha----! [_Seizing him._] Robbie----! ROOPE. [_Startled._] Hey? OTTOLINE. I can't take you to Lady Paulton's--or anywhere else. Philip and I are going to spend the rest of the afternoon here, if you'll let us--and talk--and talk----! [_Suddenly embracing him, and kissing him upon the cheek._] Ah! _Que vous etes gentil! Merci--merci--merci----!_ [_Sitting in the chair on the left and unpinning her hat._] Ha, ha, ha, ha----! ROOPE. [_Turning to_ PHILIP, _his eyes bolting._] Phil----! PHILIP. [_Nodding._] Yes. [_Wringing_ ROOPE_'s hand._] Much obliged, Robbie. END OF THE FIRST ACT THE SECOND ACT