[_Clasping her hands._] Five! [_There is a distant ring at the bell; with a little cry Dinah runs out. Peggy begins to put her gloves on. Ermyntrude and Gwendoline go to the door, open it, and listen._] [_To Queckett._] Thank you for whistling. I shall never make a "Whistling woman," shall I? QUECKETT. A wide knowledge of humanity, in its highest and lowest grades, Miss Hesslerigge, does not enable me even to conjecture the possibilities of your future. PEGGY. No compliments, please. Thank you. [_She holds out her gloved hand for him to button the glove. After a look of astonishment he complies._] You know my idea about my future, don't you? QUECKETT. No. PEGGY. That I only need one essential to become a Duchess. QUECKETT. What is that? PEGGY. A Duke. GWENDOLINE. They're coming upstairs! PEGGY. [_To Queckett._] Now you'll see Mr. Paulover. Oh, I do hope he'll take to you! QUECKETT. Well, really, I'm--[_He walks angrily away as Dinah enters with Reginald Paulover, a good-looking lad, rather sheepish when in repose, but fiery and demonstrative when out of temper. He is in evening dress, overcoat, and muffler, and wears a respirator, which he removes on entering._] DINAH. [_Introducing the three girls._] Reggie, these are my three dear friends--Miss Hawkins--Miss Johnson-- REGINALD. [_Bowing._] Awfully pleased to meet you. DINAH. And Miss Hesslerigge. [_Peggy advances and shakes hands with Reginald._] REGINALD. Thank you very much for being so kind to--my wife. ERMENTRUDE. [_To Gwendoline, disappointed._] No whiskers or moustache! Oh! PEGGY. [_To Reginald._] Had you been waiting long? REGINALD. Ten minutes. I was jolly glad to hear my wife's dear little whistle. I should know it from a thousand. PEGGY. H'm! Dinah dear, make Mr. Paulover and Mr. Queckett known to each other. [_Queckett comes forward with a disagreeable look. Reginald glares at him._] DINAH. [_Timidly._] Reggie dear, this is Mr. Queckett. [_Queckett bows stiffly. Reginald nods angrily._] REGINALD. [_To Dinah._] Dinah, what is a man doing here? You know I can't bear you to talk to a man. DINAH. Oh, Reggie, why are you always so jealous? PEGGY. Mr. Queckett is giving the party. REGINALD. What party? PEGGY. Your wedding party. REGINALD. Is he! [_To Queckett, angrily._] I'm much obliged to Mr. Queckett. PEGGY. [_Pacifying Reginald._] Mr. Queckett is so nice--he calls himself Dinah's uncle. REGINALD. Does he! Then it's a liberty--that's all I can say. QUECKETT. Do you know you're in my house, sir? REGINALD. I'm not in your house, sir! Come away, Dinah! PEGGY. Hush! Mr. Queckett is Miss Dyott's-- QUECKETT. Be quiet--mind your own buiness. REGINALD. [_To Queckett._] At any rate it's my business sir. QUECKETT. I'm afraid you're a cub, sir. REGINALD. What! DINAH. Oh, Reggie, don't! [_A loud knock and ring are heard._] PEGGY. [_To Queckett._] Your friend. REGINALD. Whose friend? QUECKETT. My friend. REGINALD.