MERESTON.
Must I go?
LADY FREDERICK.
No, of course not. You can talk to me while I'm finishing.
MERESTON.
All right. How are you this morning?
LADY FREDERICK.
I don't know. I haven't looked at myself in the glass yet. How are you?
MERESTON.
A 1, thanks.
LADY FREDERICK.
Are you looking nice?
MERESTON.
[_Going to the glass._] I hope so. By Jove, what a strong light. You must be pretty sure of your complexion to be able to stand that.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Appearing._] I am.
MERESTON.
[_Going forward eagerly._] Ah.
[_She comes through the curtains. She wears a kimono, her hair is all dishevelled, hanging about her head in a tangled mop. She is not made up and looks haggard and yellow and lined. When_ MERESTON _sees her he gives a slight start of surprise. She plays the scene throughout with her broadest brogue._
LADY FREDERICK.
Good-morning.
MERESTON.
[_Staring at her in dismay._] Good-morning.
LADY FREDERICK.
Well, what have you to say to me?
MERESTON.
[_Embarrassed._] I--er--hope you slept all right.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Laughing._] Did you?
MERESTON.
I forget.
LADY FREDERICK.
I believe you slept like a top, Charlie. You really might have lain awake and thought of me. What is the matter? You look as if you'd seen a ghost.
MERESTON.
Oh no, not at all.
LADY FREDERICK.
You're not disappointed already?
MERESTON.
No, of course not. Only--you look so different with your hair not done.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_With a little cry._] Oh, I'd forgotten all about it. Angelique, come and do my hair.
MAID.
[_Appearing._] Yes, miladi.
[LADY FREDERICK _sits down at the dressing-table._
LADY FREDERICK.
Now, take pains, Angelique. I want to look my very best. Angelique is a jewel of incalculable value.
MAID.
Miladi is very kind.
LADY FREDERICK.
If I'm light-hearted, she does it one way. If I'm depressed she does it another.