JACK. Then, all I can say is, that you must have bribed Ronny to lead up to it. IRIS. They might go on at the Palladium as “Ronald and Norah,” Ronald leaning over the piano in white gloves. JACK. Norah in a smile and shoulder-straps threatening to return to Dixie. NORAH (_to BROXOPP_). This, Mr. Chillingham, is the marriage of intellect on an equal basis, which I was advocating just now. BROXOPP. You—er—were advo——? JACK. Ronny, it’s _your_ turn to say something brilliant. RONNY. No, thanks, I’ll leave that to Norah’s husband. When they are living in intellectual companionship together, they can fire off epigrams at each other all day long. What a life! Don’t you agree with me, Mr. Chillingham? Have another bun, won’t you? (_He takes one himself._) BROXOPP. Miss Field was talking about the marriage of intellects. I remember. (_To RONNY with the bun plate_) No, thank you. NORAH. Don’t eat too many, Ronny. We’ve got to beat them afterwards, you know. You’re not playing, Mr. Chillingham? BROXOPP. No, I think I—— JACK. Beat us, indeed! I should like to see you do it. RONNY. Well, you will, Jack, old boy. IRIS (_to BROXOPP_). You’ll want to wait for Nancy; won’t you, dear? RONNY. Do play if you’d like to, you know. Of course, it will dish the foursome rather. BROXOPP. Thank you, Mr. Derwent, but I shall be waiting for Mrs. Chillingham. NORAH. I was saying just now, Mr. Chillingham, that I don’t altogether approve of married people—— JACK. Help! She’s leading up to her epigram again. BROXOPP. Yes, Miss Field? You were saying——? RONNY. I say, don’t encourage her; we’ve had it all once. (_To IRIS, as he gets up_) Are you ready? IRIS. I think so; aren’t we, Jack? (_To BROXOPP_) Will you have some more tea, dear? BROXOPP. Not now, thank you, Iris. I’ll wait for Nancy. JACK (_finishing his tea_). I say, what’s the hurry? I’ve only just begun. RONNY. Rot. Come on. IRIS (_getting up_). I’ll have half-a-crown on it, Norah. NORAH. Done. RONNY. You, too, Jack? JACK. Rather! RONNY. Good man! What about Mr. Chillingham? Care to bet against us? I’ll give you five to four as you’re a friend. BROXOPP. No, I think not, thank you, Mr. Derwent. RONNY. Perhaps you’re wise. You wouldn’t have a chance. (_To the others_) Come along. IRIS. Benham will make you some fresh tea, dear. Give Nancy a special kiss from me. BROXOPP. Thank you, Iris, I will. NORAH (_at the door_). The whole question of kissing seems to me—— RONNY. Oh, come off it. (_He drags her away._) JACK. Cheer-oh, Dad! You and Mother might come along and watch us if you’ve nothing better to do. (_To RONNY, in front_) All right, we’re coming. [_They go out._ (_Left alone, BROXOPP rings the bell, and then sits down in rather a bewildered way._) _BENHAM comes in._ BROXOPP. We shall want some fresh tea for Mrs. Chillingham when she comes in. BENHAM. Yes, sir. I think I saw her just coming through the rose-garden, sir.