[_With a smile, remonstrating._] Mabel!
MABEL.
Oh, but I know them well, and I love them dearly. They cost two shillings at the Army and Navy Stores, but I can't afford them myself.
JOHN.
I wish you'd explain why we've come, or Basil will think I'm responsible.
MABEL.
[_Lightly._] I've been trying to remember ever since we arrived. You say it, Hilda; you invented it.
HILDA.
[_With a laugh._] Mabel, I'll never take you out again. They're perfectly incorrigible, Mr. Kent.
BASIL.
[_To_ JOHN _and_ MABEL, _smiling_.] I don't know why _you've_ come. Mrs.
Murry has promised to come and have tea with me for ages.
MABEL.
[_Pretending to feel injured._] Well, you needn't turn me out the moment we arrive. Besides, I refuse to go till I've had a piece of that cake.
BASIL.
Well, here's the tea! [MRS. GRIGGS _brings it in as he speaks_. _He turns to_ HILDA.] I wish you'd pour it out. I'm so clumsy.
HILDA.
[_Smiling at him affectionately._] I shall be delighted.
[_She proceeds to do so, and the conversation goes on while_ BASIL _hands_ MABEL _tea and cake_.
JOHN.
I told them it was improper for more than one woman at a time to call at a bachelor's rooms, Basil.
BASIL.
If you'd warned me I'd have made the show a bit tidier.
MABEL.
Oh, that's just what we didn't want. We wanted to see the Celebrity at Home, without lime-light.
BASIL.
[_Ironically._] You're too flattering.
MABEL.
By the way, how is the book?
_Basil._
Quite well, thanks.
MABEL.
I always forget to ask how it's getting on.
BASIL.
On the contrary, you never let slip an opportunity of making kind inquiries.
MABEL.
_I_ don't believe you've written a word of it.
HILDA.
Nonsense, Mabel. I've read it.
MABEL.
Oh, but you're such a monster of discretion.... Now I want to see your medals, Mr. Kent.
BASIL.
[_Smiling._] What medals?
MABEL.
Don't be coy! You know I mean the medals they gave you for going to the Cape.
BASIL.
[_Gets them from a drawer, and with a smile hands them to_ MABEL.] If you really care to see them, here they are.
MABEL.
[_Taking one._] What's this?
BASIL.