POLLITT. I desire a few words with you, Miss Fullgarney, and it struck me that at this time of the day-- SOPHY. Yes, there's nothing doing here just at lunch-time. POLLITT. Perhaps you would graciously allow me to converse with you while you-- SOPHY. [_Regaining her self-possession._] Oh, I had my lunch an hour ago; I came over so ravenous. [_Going to_ MISS MOON, _who is still lost in admiration of_ POLLITT--_in a whisper._] Be off, child. Don't stand staring at Mr. Valma. MISS MOON. [_In_ SOPHY'S _ear._] I think I've got him another! SOPHY. Shut up! [MISS MOON _withdraws, with her bowl and towel._ SOPHY. [_To_ POLLITT.] Did you catch what she said? Oh, it doesn't matter if you did; you know we are all working for you, like niggers. POLLITT. [_Tenderly._] Ah! SOPHY. Not a customer leaves my place without having heard your name mentioned. My girls are regular bricks. POLLITT. [_Approaching her._] And what are you? SOPHY. [_Looking away again._] Oh, I do no more than any of the others. POLLITT. Do you expect me to believe that? you, their queen! No, it is _you_ who have helped me to steer my bark into the flowing waters of popularity. SOPHY. [_Nervously._] Extremely pleased, I--I'm sure. [_He is close beside her; a cork is drawn loudly. They part, startled and disturbed. She goes to the opening in the partition, raising her voice slightly._] Girls, can't you draw your corks a shade quieter? Nice if somebody was coming upstairs! MISS LIMBIRD. [_In the distance._] Very sorry, Miss Fullgarney. SOPHY. [_To_ POLLITT, _as she toys with the articles upon the circular table._] Everything is so up this weather. It's their lime-juice champagne. POLLITT. [_By her side again--suddenly._] I love you! SOPHY. Oh, Mr. Valma! POLLITT. I love you! Ever since I had the honour of being presented to you by Mr. Salmon, the picture-dealer next door, I have thought of you, dreamt of you, constantly. [_She brushes past him; he follows her._] Miss Fullgarney, you will accord me permission to pay you my addresses? SOPHY. [_In a flutter._] I--I am highly flattered and complimented, Mr. Valma, by your proposal-- POLLITT. [_Taking her hand._] Flattered--no! SOPHY. [_Withdrawing her hand._] Oh, but please wait! POLLITT. Wait! SOPHY. I mean, I certainly couldn't dream of accepting the attentions of any man until he fully understood-- POLLITT. Understood what? SOPHY. [_Summoning all her dignity._] Oh, I'll be perfectly straight with you--until he fully understood that, whatever my station in life may be now, I have risen from rather--well, I may say _very_ small beginnings. POLLITT. What matters that? SOPHY. Oh, but I beg your pardon--it does. [_Relaxing._] I am sure I can depend on you not to give me away all over the place? POLLITT. Miss Fullgarney--! SOPHY.