NANCY (_with pretty dignity_). That is not the point, Mary. An artist has no limitations of that sort. And—and you’re interrupting me at my work. MARY (_going over to her and just touching her lightly on the shoulder_). Bless you, dearie, you _are_ fond of him, aren’t you? NANCY. Oh, I just love him. (_Eagerly_) And he must have that chop to himself, Mary, and I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll write him a little note to say I’ve been invited out to dinner—and who do you think is going to invite me? Why, you! And we’ll have our bread and cheese together in the kitchen. Won’t that be fun? (_Suddenly looking tragic_) Oh! MARY. What’s the matter, ma’am? NANCY. Why, perhaps he’ll go out again directly after dinner and then I shan’t have seen him all day! (_After thinking it over_) No, Mary, I shall have dinner with him. (_Firmly_) But I shall say I’m _not_ hungry. (_There is a sound of whistling on the stairs._) Listen, there’s Jim! Oh, Mary, go quickly! He hasn’t seen me for such a long time and he’ll like to find me alone. MARY (_sympathetically_). _I_ know, ma’am. [_She goes out._ (_The GREAT BROXOPP comes in. He wears a tail-coat of the period, a wide-awake hat, and a spreading blue tie—“The Broxopp tie” as it is called in later years. He is twenty-five at this time, but might be any age, an impetuous, enthusiastic, flamboyant, simple creature; candid, generous; a gentleman, yet with no manners; an artist, yet not without vulgarity. His beliefs are simple. He believes in himself and NANCY; but mostly in himself._) BROXOPP. Nancy! NANCY. Jim! (_She flies into his arms._) BROXOPP (_releasing himself and looking at his watch_). Two hours and twenty minutes since I kissed you, Nancy. NANCY. Is that all? It seems so much longer. BROXOPP (_comparing his watch with the clock_). You’re right; I’m a little slow. It’s two hours and twenty-three minutes. I must have another one. (_Has one._) NANCY. Oh, Jim, darling, it’s lovely having you back. But you’re early, aren’t you? Tell me what’s been happening. BROXOPP (_trying to speak indifferently_). How do you know anything has been happening? NANCY (_excitedly_). Then it _has_! I knew it had! I felt it. Tell me quickly! (_With a sudden change_) No, don’t tell me quickly, tell me very, very slowly. Begin from the very beginning when you left here after breakfast. (_Pleadingly_) Only just tell me first that it _is_ good news. BROXOPP (_with an air_). Madam, you see in front of you the Great Broxopp. NANCY. Yes, but you’ve told me that every day since we’ve been married. BROXOPP (_momentarily shaken, but quickly recovering_). But you believed it! Say you believed it! NANCY. Of course I did. BROXOPP (_strutting about the room_). Aha, _she_ knew! She recognised the Great Broxopp. (_Striking an attitude_) And now the whole world will know. NANCY. Is it as wonderful as that?