TENTERDEN. I must apologise—— NANCY (_smiling_). So must I. I’ve been shopping. And it’s the maid’s afternoon out. TENTERDEN (_a little blankly_). Oh—ah—yes. They told me down below to come up and—ah—— NANCY. That’s right. I just went out to get some kidneys. (_She holds up a parcel, and SIR ROGER shudders._) I haven’t bought kidneys for I don’t know how many years; it feels quite strange. Do come and sit down. How’s Iris? We haven’t seen her lately. (_She leads the way to the table and puts the bag down on it._) TENTERDEN. Well, it was really about Iris that I ventured to come and see you so informally, Mrs. Chillingham. I happened to have a business appointment just across the road, and—ah—— NANCY. How nice of you! TENTERDEN. Is Iris quite well? NANCY. Oh, I think so. Jack seems to be very busy. We have a note from him every now and then saying that they will come and see us when his picture is finished. TENTERDEN. Ah! So he’s painting. Excellent. NANCY. They’ve a studio in St. John’s Wood. But surely Iris must have told you? TENTERDEN. I assure you, Mrs. Chillingham, that Iris has not condescended to communicate with me since—ah—— NANCY. Since we lost all our money. TENTERDEN. Since that very unfortunate Excelsior business. Upon my word, I don’t know what the City is coming to nowadays. With so many rogues about, it is almost impossible for a gentleman to make an honest living. However, things have been looking up lately. (_Smiling to himself_) Oh yes, looking up—decidedly. But then I knew they would. I only wish, my dear Mrs. Chillingham, that your husband could have been participating in my good fortune. NANCY. Well, we had no money left, you see. TENTERDEN (_holding up a hand_). Don’t think I am blaming your husband. Pray don’t think that. I assure you, I quite understand. And so Jack is painting? Making quite a good living by it, what? You relieve my mind considerably, Mrs. Chillingham. I shall go away happy now. I shouldn’t have liked to think that my daughter was uncomfortable. What a thing it is to be born with such a gift! Lucky Jack! And Mr. Chillingham, I trust, quite well? NANCY. Very well indeed, thank you. He hasn’t looked so well for a long time. TENTERDEN. Excellent, excellent. And making his fortune again, I’ve no doubt. I’m delighted to hear it. Well, Mrs. Chillingham, I must be getting on. I am most relieved to hear your good news. Remember me to your husband, please, and tell him that if, at any time, he wants a good investment, I shall only be too delighted to be of any service. No, don’t thank me. I should be only too glad to. It would be a privilege. (_He shakes her warmly by the hand_) Good-bye, good-bye. [_He goes out magnificently._ (_As soon as she has recovered, NANCY takes off her hat and goes to the table to work. She is drawing an advertisement for BROXOPP, as we can see by the way she bites her pencil and frowns to herself._