[_Breaking in._] Oh, I don't pretend that there haven't been moments in my years of stress and struggle when I've been tempted to join the gaudy, cackling fowl whose feathers I flatter myself I've plucked pretty thoroughly in my book! But I've resisted the devil by prayers and fasting; and, by George, sir, I wouldn't swap my modest victory for the vogue of the biggest boomster in England! [_Boisterously._] Ha, ha, ha! Whoop! [_Seizing_ ROOPE _and shaking him._] Dare to preach your gospel to me _now_, you arch-apostle of quackery and self-advertisement! ROOPE. [_Peevishly, releasing himself._] Upon my word, Phil----! [_The bell rings again._ PHILIP. The cook! [_To_ ROOPE, _seeing that he is putting on his muffler._] Don't go. ROOPE. I must. [_Taking up his overcoat._] I merely ran along to shake hands with you, and I'm sorry I took the trouble. [PHILIP _helps him into his overcoat laughingly._] Thanks. PHILIP. [_Suddenly._] Robbie----! ROOPE. [_Struggling with an obstinate sleeve._] Hey? PHILIP. It's just struck me. Where are _you_ dining to-night? ROOPE. At the Garrick, with Hughie Champion. [_Picking up his hat and gloves._] He's getting horribly deaf and tedious; but I had nothing better. PHILIP. Bother Colonel Champion! I wish you could have dined with _me_. ROOPE. [_His hat on his head, drawing on his gloves._] Dear excellent _friend_! I should be out of place. PHILIP. Rubbish! Your presence would be peculiarly appropriate, my dear Robbie. Wasn't it you who brought Ottoline and me together, God bless yer! [_Observing that_ ROOPE _is weakening._] There's heaps of room for an extra chair. Everybody 'ud be delighted. ROOPE. [_Meditatively._] I could telephone to Hughie excusing myself. He didn't ask me till this afternoon. [_With an injured air._] I resent a short notice. PHILIP. [_His eyes twinkling._] Quite right. Mine's short too---- ROOPE. That's different. PHILIP. Entirely. You'll come? ROOPE. If you're certain the Filsons and Madame de Chaumie---- PHILIP. Certain. [_Following_ ROOPE _to the door admitting to the vestibule._] Eight o'clock. ROOPE. [_Opening the door._] Charming. PHILIP. Won't you let John fetch you a taxi? ROOPE. [_Shaking hands with_ PHILIP.] No, I'll walk into Holborn. [_In the doorway._] Oh, by-the-by, I've a message for you, Phil. PHILIP. From whom?