[_At the chair on the left of the smoking-table, dryly._] Bertram has been telling me how busy he has been, Sir Randle---- SIR RANDLE. [_Not perceiving the general air of restraint._] That reminds me--[_moving, full of importance, to the settee on the right--feeling in his breast-pocket_] the announcement of the engagement, Philip--[_seating himself and producing a pocket-book_] Lady Filson and I drew it up this morning. [_Hunting among some letters and papers._] I _believe_ it is in the conventional form; but we so thoroughly sympathize with you and Ottoline in your dislike for anything that savours of pomp and flourish that we hesitate, without your sanction, to--[_selecting a paper and handing it to_ PHILIP] ah! [_To_ ROOPE, _who has returned to the fireplace--over his shoulder._] I am treating you as one of ourselves, Mr. Roope---- ROOPE. [_In a murmur._] Dear excellent friend----! SIR RANDLE. [_To_ PHILIP.] We propose to insert it only in the three or four principal journals---- PHILIP. [_Frowning at the paper._] Sir Randle---- SIR RANDLE. [_Blandly._] Eh? PHILIP. Haven't you given me the wrong paper? SIR RANDLE. [_With a look of alarm, hurriedly putting on his pince-nez and searching in his pocket-book again._] The wrong----? PHILIP. This has "Universal News Agency" written in the corner of it. SIR RANDLE. [_Holding out his hand for the paper, faintly._] Oh----! PHILIP. [_Ignoring_ SIR RANDLE's _hand--reading._] "The extraordinary stir, which we venture to prophesy will not soon be eclipsed, made by Mr. Philip Mackworth's recent novel, 'The Big Drum,' lends additional interest to the announcement of his forthcoming marriage to the beautiful Madame de Chaumie--" [_The bell rings. He listens to it, and then goes on reading._] "--the beautiful Madame de Chaumie, daughter of the widely and deservedly popular--the widely and deservedly popular Sir Randle and Lady Filson----" [_After reading it to the end silently, he restores the paper to_ SIR RANDLE _with a smile and a slight bow._ SIR RANDLE. [_Collecting himself._] Er--Lady Filson and I thought it might be prudent, Philip, to--er--to give a lead to the inevitable comments of the press. [_Replacing the paper in his pocket-book._] If you object, my dear boy---- PHILIP. [_With a motion of the head towards the vestibule door._] That must _be_ Lady Filson and Ottoline. [_He goes to the door and opens it._ LADY FILSON _and_ OTTOLINE _are in the vestibule and_ JOHN _is taking_ LADY FILSON's _wrap from her._