ALICE (_sticking to it_). I’m sure you couldn’t find a nicer gentleman than Sir Roger Tenterden who lives next door, and came to dinner here only last Tuesday with his daughter. BENHAM. Tenterden? Ah, now that _is_ family, my girl. That’s the best I’ve heard of your Mr. Broxopp as yet. But you mustn’t stand talking here all the morning. Just go down and tell that young woman to wait until I send for her. They’re used to waiting. ALICE. Yes, Mr. Benham. [_She goes out._ BENHAM (_picking up hat delicately and putting it down again_). One hat—and what a hat! (_BROXOPP comes in. Very much the BROXOPP that we know, though his hair, moustache, and beard are greying slightly, and his face is more lined. He still wears a broad-tailed coat and a spreading blue tie, though he probably pays more for them nowadays._) BROXOPP. Well, Benham, what is it? BENHAM. A gentleman rang up, your Grace—I beg your pardon—“Sir,” I should have said. BROXOPP. Call me your Grace if it’s any comfort to you, Benham. BENHAM. Thank you, sir. BROXOPP. Settling down all right? BENHAM. I am quite comfortable, sir, thank you. BROXOPP. I’m afraid you feel that you have come down in the world? BENHAM. In a sense, yes, sir. BROXOPP. Well, you’ll have to climb up again, Benham, that’s all. Did you ever read a little book—you can get it at all bookstalls—called _Broxoppiana_? BENHAM. In a general way, sir, I read nothing later than Lord Lytton. BROXOPP (_genially_). Well, this is by Lord Broxopp—a few suggestive thoughts that have occurred to me from time to time—with photograph. On page 7 I say this: “Going there is better fun than getting there.” I’ve got there, Benham. You’re just going there again. I envy you. BENHAM. Thank you, sir.... I wonder if I might take the liberty of asking your advice, sir, in a matter of some importance to myself. BROXOPP. Why not? BENHAM. Thank you, sir. BROXOPP. What is it? You want to get married? BENHAM (_shocked_). Heaven forbid, sir. BROXOPP. Well, Benham, I’ve been married twenty-five years, and I’ve never regretted it. BENHAM. I suppose one soon gets used to it, sir. What I wanted to take your advice about, sir, was a little financial matter in which I am interested. BROXOPP. Oh!... I’m not sure that you’re wise, Benham. BENHAM. Wise, sir? BROXOPP. In asking my advice about little financial matters. I lost five thousand myself last month. BENHAM (_alarmed_). Not in West Africans, I trust, sir? BROXOPP. God knows what it was in. Jack said they were going up. BENHAM. I’m sure I’m sorry to hear it, sir.