A painful scene for you and Mr. Dunning. BERTRAM. _After_ dinner--when they've gone--you and I'll go down to Dunning---- PHILIP. [_Flinging the poker into the grate and facing_ BERTRAM.] Confound you, you don't suppose I'm going to act on your suggestion, and grin through a long meal with this between us! [_Pointing to the telephone again._] Ring him up, you treacherous little whelp--quick! [_Advancing._] If _you_ won't----! BERTRAM. [_Bristling._] Oh, very good! [_Pausing on his way to the telephone and addressing_ PHILIP _with an evil expression._] You were always a bully and a blusterer, Mackworth; but, take my word for it, if you fancy you can bully Mr. Dunning, and bluster to my family, with any satisfactory results to yourself, you're vastly mistaken. PHILIP. [_Gruffly._] I beg your pardon; sorry I exploded. BERTRAM. [_Scowling._] It's of no consequence. [_At the telephone, his ear to the receiver._] I am absolutely indifferent to your vulgar abuse, I mean t'say. [JOHN _announces_ ROOPE. _Note:_ ROOPE _and the rest of the guests divest themselves of their overcoats, wraps, etc., in the vestibule before entering the room._ JOHN. Mr. Roope. ROOPE. [_Greeting_ PHILIP _as_ JOHN _withdraws._] Am I the first----? PHILIP. [_Glancing at_ BERTRAM.] No. BERTRAM. [_Speaking into the telephone._] Holborn, three eight nine eight. ROOPE. [_Waving his hand to Bertram._] Ah! How _are_ you, my dear Mr. Filson? BERTRAM. [_To_ ROOPE, _sulkily._] How'r you? Excuse me---- ROOPE. [_To_ PHILIP.] My dear Phil, these excursions to the east are delightful; they are positively. The sights fill me with amazement. I---- PHILIP. [_Cutting him short by leading him to the fireplace._] Robbie---- ROOPE. Hey? PHILIP. [_Grimly, dropping his voice._] Are you hungry? ROOPE. Dear excellent friend, since you put the question so plainly, I don't mind avowing that I _am_--devilish hungry. Why----? PHILIP. There may be a slight delay, old chap. ROOPE. Delay? PHILIP. Yes, the east hasn't exhausted its marvels yet, by a long chalk. ROOPE. [_Looking at him curiously._] Nothing the matter, Phil? BERTRAM. [_Suddenly, into the telephone._] That you, Dunning----? PHILIP. [_To_ ROOPE.] Robbie----