[_As the STIDULPHS leave SMYTHE, HERBERT FULKERSON enters from the landing with FARNCOMBE. In dumb-show, SMYTHE and FULKERSON greet each other and then FULKERSON introduces FARNCOMBE._ SMYTHE. [_Shaking hands with FARNCOMBE._] Glad to make your acquaintance. FARNCOMBE. Glad to make _yours_, Mr. Smythe-- and in such circumstances! FULKERSON. [_A white-faced young man with red eyes and of dissipated appearance-- espying MRS. STIDULPH._] By Jove, if it isn't Dolly Ensor! [_Hurrying to MRS. STIDULPH._] What cheer, Dolly! MRS. STIDULPH. [_Coldly._] How do you do, Mr. Fulkerson? FULKERSON. [_Slightly abashed._] Oh, I-- I'm pretty middlin', thanks; hope you're the same. [_Nodding to STIDULPH._] Evenin', Arthur. [_VINCENT BLAND has sauntered in at the door on the left and now joins the group surrounding the STIDULPHS._ BLAND. [_Nodding to HENEAGE and GRIMWOOD._] H'lo, Stewart! H'lo, Jerry! [_Coming to the STIDULPHS._] Dolly----Colonel---- SMYTHE. [_To FARNCOMBE._] I'll be back in a minute or two; I'm just going to wash my hands. FULKERSON. [_Calling to FARNCOMBE._] Hi! Eddie! [_FARNCOMBE crosses to FULKERSON and is presented by him to the STIDULPHS. GABRIELLE KATO enters at the right-hand door at the back, meeting SMYTHE as he is going out. The waiters have finished setting the plates of melon upon the tables and now withdraw, carrying the plated dishes and preceded by LUIGI, at the door on the left._ SMYTHE. [_To GABRIELLE._] Ha, Gabby, my dear! Quite well, eh? GABRIELLE. [_A pretty young woman with a fretful little face expressive of extreme dissatisfaction with the world-- looking at SMYTHE spiritlessly._] This _is_ a treat. Why, you haven't been to see us for ages. SMYTHE. [_Cunningly._] I see you all far oftener than you suspect. GABRIELLE. Do you? That _is_ sly of you. SMYTHE. [_Leaving her._] I'm just going to have a wash and brush up. GABRIELLE. Really? Oh, you _are_ full of news. [_He departs as DE CASTRO approaches GABRIELLE._ DE CASTRO. [_In a low voice._] Hullo, Gabth! How are you to-night? GABRIELLE. Oh, I'm all right, I s'pose. Isn't it hot? DE CASTRO. [_Not at his ease with her._] It _ith_ inclined that way. [_DAPHNE DURE, NITA TREVENNA, DOUGLAS GLYNN, and ALBERT PALK enter at the door on the left. NITA is a tall, handsome girl, DAPHNE a plump, little, fair, baby-faced thing. They are charmingly dressed, as are all the ladies of the Pandora Theatre. GLYNN and PALK-- the latter a short, thick-set man who might reasonably be a low comedian-- are two professional-looking gentlemen of the best class. The arrivals are warmly hailed by FULKERSON, VON RETTENMAYER, HENEAGE, and GRIMWOOD and, with more reserve, by MRS. STIDULPH. STIDULPH has seated himself wearily in the armchair on the nearer side of the fireplace and, beyond listening to BLAND who is talking to him, has withdrawn himself from the proceedings._ FULKERSON.