[_STIDULPH enters from the landing and again wanders to the counter and to the cigarettes. The "Mind the Paint" air, to the time of a Two Step, is played in the distance._ FARNCOMBE. [_Bowing to LILY slightly and drawing himself up._] Shall I-- take you to Mr. Cooling? LILY. [_With dignity, inclining her head._] Will you? [_She is putting her hand through his arm when the look upon his face softens her. She drops her voice to a whisper._] Have I hurt you? FARNCOMBE. Oh, I deserve the rebuke. LILY. No, you don't. [_Gently._] You may leave me at my door, with the others, if it will give you any satisfaction. [_As they walk to the door on the left, they are met by COOLING._ COOLING. [_To LILY, breathlessly._] Haw! Here you are! LILY. [_Leaving FARNCOMBE, her manner altering completely._] Come on, Morrie! [_Her feet moving to the music._] Tra, lal, la! Tra, lal, la! [_Giving her bouquet to FARNCOMBE._] Hi-i-i-i-i! Bring my flowers! COOLING AND LILY. Tra, lal, la! Tra, lal, la----! [_They run out, half dancing._ STIDULPH. [_Calling to FARNCOMBE, who is following them._] Lord Farncombe! FARNCOMBE. Yes? STIDULPH. [_Going to him._] Will you spare me a moment? FARNCOMBE. [_A little impatiently._] Er-- certainly. STIDULPH. [_Laying a shaky hand on FARNCOMBE'S arm and leading him away from the door._] Excuse me for what I'm going to say to you. I-- I know your father-- knew him very well years ago-- and your mother. [_With deep feeling._] My boy-- my dear boy---- FARNCOMBE. [_Surprised._] Colonel? STIDULPH. I-- I-- I'm sorry to find you in this set. FARNCOMBE. [_Stiffly._] What do you mean? STIDULPH. Don't be angry with me. I'm an old man-- and an old fool; but it's from the fools that the useful lessons are to be learned. FARNCOMBE. [_Withdrawing his arm from STIDULPH._] I really don't understand you. STIDULPH. Try to. Not now-- another time; when this music isn't exciting you, nor these pretty women. Think it out by yourself! You're at the beginning of your career, my boy. Remember me-- the old fool who's brought _his_ to a miserable end-- and that I cautioned you-- cautioned you--! [_LUIGI hurries in at the door on the left, followed by a waiter carrying a tray, and by the waiter with the beard._ LUIGI. [_Laughing._] He, he, he, he! [_Behind the counter, preparing drinks._] Look out, gentlemen; you are losing it all. They are having a romp-- a fine lark. [_FARNCOMBE goes out at the door on the left._] Make haste, Colonel; make haste! [_STIDULPH goes out, slowly, at the right-hand door at the back._] Whiskey-and-soda for Mr. Tavish; liqueur of brandy-- Mr. Grimwood. [_The waiter carrying the tray goes out with the drinks at the door on the left._] Ha, ha, ha! [_Singing to the music._] Tra, lal, la! Tra, lal, la----! [_LUIGI is following the waiter who has carried out the tray when the bearded waiter, coming to the nearer settee in the centre, calls to him._ THE BEARDED WAITER.