[_Calling._] Gerald. Come along. [_They come in._] We've had our little talk.
GERALD.
Everything satisfactory?
LADY FREDERICK.
[_With a look at the_ ADMIRAL.] Quite.
ADMIRAL.
[_Gruffly._] Quite.
LADY FREDERICK'S FOOTMAN _enters._
FOOTMAN.
Captain Montgomerie wishes to know if he may see your ladyship.
LADY FREDERICK.
I'd forgotten all about him.
GERALD.
Let me go to him, shall I?
LADY FREDERICK.
No, I'm not afraid of him any longer. He can't do anything to you. And as far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter.
GERALD.
Then I'll tell him to go to the devil.
LADY FREDERICK.
No, I'm going to tell him that myself. [_To the_ FOOTMAN.] Ask Captain Montgomerie to come here.
FOOTMAN.
Yes, miladi.
[_Exit._
Lady Frederick.
[_Walking up and down furiously._] I'm going to tell him that myself.
FOULDES.
Now keep calm, Betsy.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Very deliberately._] I shall not keep calm.
FOULDES.
Remember that you're a perfect lady.
LADY FREDERICK.
Don't interfere with me. I ate humble pie yesterday, and it didn't agree with me at all.
[FOOTMAN _enters to announce_ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE, _who follows him, and immediately withdraws._
FOOTMAN.
Captain Montgomerie.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
How d'you do.
[_He is obviously surprised to see the others._
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Pleasantly._] Quite a party, aren't we?
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Yes. [_A pause._] I hope you don't mind my coming so early?
LADY FREDERICK.
Not at all. You made an appointment for half-past ten.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
I trust you have good news for me.
LADY FREDERICK.
Captain Montgomerie, every one here knows the circumstances that have brought you.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.