NICHOLAS. I say, shut up! We can’t very well—— ANNE (_with all that is left of her dignity, but she is only a child after all_). Mr. Latimer, I went upstairs to get my things and find my way to the nearest railway station. But—but there is a reason why I am not going after all. Just yet. I thought I’d better tell you. LATIMER. Were you really thinking of going? (_She nods._) I’m so glad you’ve changed your mind. ANNE (_with a smile_). There are reasons why I had to. LATIMER. Bless them!... Nicholas, I believe she stayed just so that she might help you. ANNE. What does Mr. Nicholas want? NICHOLAS. I say, it’s awfully good of you and all that, but this is rather—I mean, it’s a question that a fellow ought to settle for himself. LATIMER. What he means is, ought _he_ to get his things and find his way to the nearest railway station? ANNE (_dismayed_). Oh no! LATIMER. There you are, Nicholas. NICHOLAS (_rather flattered_). Oh, well—well—— (_He looks at her admiringly_) Well, perhaps you’re right. EUSTASIA (_the three minutes up_). There! (_She takes the thermometer out and comes from behind the screen in order to get nearer the light._) LATIMER. His temperature! This is an exciting moment in the history of the House of Lords. (_He follows EUSTASIA to the window._) NICHOLAS (_to ANNE_). I say, do you really think I ought to stay? ANNE. Please, Mr. Nicholas, I want you to stay. NICHOLAS. Righto! then I’ll stay. LATIMER (_over EUSTASIA’S shoulder_). A hundred and nine. LEONARD (_putting his head round the screen_). I say, what ought it to be? NICHOLAS. Ninety-eight. LEONARD. Good Lord! I’m dying! EUSTASIA. It’s just ninety-nine. A little over normal, Leonard, but nothing to matter. LATIMER. _Ninety_-nine—so it is. I should never have forgiven myself if it had been a hundred and nine. NICHOLAS (_coming up to LATIMER_). It’s all right, I’m going to. EUSTASIA (_surprised_). Going to? Going to what? NICHOLAS (_confused_). Oh, nothing. LATIMER. What he means is that he is going to be firm. He thinks we all ought to have a little talk about things. Just to see where we are. EUSTASIA. Well, things aren’t quite as they were, are they? If I’d known that Leonard was ill—but I’ve seen so little of him lately. And he’s _never_ been ill before! NICHOLAS. Of course we ought to know where we are. LATIMER. Yes. At present Leonard is behind that screen, which makes it difficult to discuss things properly. Leonard, could you—— EUSTASIA. Oh, we mustn’t take any risks! But if we moved the screen a little, and all sat up at that end of the room—— LATIMER. Delightful! NICHOLAS (_leading the way_). Sit here, Miss Anne, won’t you? (_They arrange themselves. LATIMER in the middle._) LATIMER. There! Now, are we all here?... We are. Then with your permission, Ladies and Gentlemen, I will open the proceedings with a short speech. NICHOLAS. Oh, I say, must you? LATIMER. Certainly. EUSTASIA (_to LEONARD_). Hush, dear.