FOULDES.
[_Handing her one._] A penny stamp may sometimes save one a hundred louis.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Ironically._] Thanks so much. I write the name of my bank on the top, don't I? Pay Madame Claude....
MADAME CLAUDE.
Now, it's no good, Lady Frederick, I won't take it. After all I 'ave my self-respect to think of.
LADY FREDERICK.
It's too late now.
MADAME CLAUDE.
[_Sniffing a little._] No, no, Lady Frederick. Don't be too 'ard on me.
As one lady to another I ask you to forgive me. I did come about my account, but--well, I don't want the money.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Looking up good-humouredly._] Well, well. [_She looks at the cheque._]
It shall be as you wish. There. [_She tears it up._]
MADAME CLAUDE.
Oh, thank you, Lady Frederick. I look upon that as a real favour. And now I really must be getting off.
LADY FREDERICK.
Must you go? Well, good-bye. Paradine, take Madame Claude to her motor.
Ada!
[_She kisses her on the cheek._
MADAME CLAUDE.
[_Going._] I am pleased to have seen you.
[PARADINE _offers his arm and goes out with_ MADAME CLAUDE. LADY FREDERICK _goes to the window, stands on a chair and waves her handkerchief. While she is doing this_ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _enters_.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
How d'you do?
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Getting down._] How nice of you to come. I wanted to see you.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
May I sit down?
LADY FREDERICK.
Of course. There are one or two things I'd like to talk to you about.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Yes?
LADY FREDERICK.
First I must thank you for your great kindness to Gerald. I didn't know last night that he owed you a good deal of money.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
It's a mere trifle.
LADY FREDERICK.
You must be very rich to call nine hundred pounds that?
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
I am.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_With a laugh._] All the same it's extremely good of you to give him plenty of time.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
I told Gerald he could have till to-morrow.
LADY FREDERICK.
Obviously he wants to settle with you as soon as ever he can.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
[_Quietly._] I often wonder why gambling debts are known as debts of honour.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Looking at him steadily._] Of course I realise that if you choose to press for the money and Gerald can't pay--he'll have to send in his papers.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.