Even a rich man may be temporarily embarrassed.
FOULDES.
Then be so good as to wait for one moment. [_He sits down at a table and writes a cheque._] No sight is more affecting than that of a millionaire in financial straits.
LADY FREDERICK.
Paradine!
FOULDES.
[_Handing the cheque._] Now, sir, I think that settles it. Will you exchange my cheque for those bills?
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Damn you, I forgot you.
FOULDES.
You may not be aware that it's unusual to swear in the presence of ladies.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
[_Looking at the cheque._] I suppose it's all right.
[PARADINE _goes to the door and opens it_.
FOULDES.
There is the window, and here is the door. Which will you choose?
[CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _looks at him without answering, shrugs his shoulders and goes out_.
LADY FREDERICK.
Oh, Paradine, you are a brick.
GERALD.
I say it's awfully good of you.
FOULDES.
Nonsense. I've got a strong sense of effect, and I always cultivate the dramatic situation.
LADY FREDERICK.
I shall never be able to pay you back, Paradine.
FOULDES.
My dear, I'm not entirely devoid of intelligence.
ADMIRAL.
Well, well, I must be off to take my constitutional.
LADY FREDERICK.
And Rose and Gerald must take care of you. We shall all meet at luncheon.
ADMIRAL.
Yes, yes.
[_The_ ADMIRAL, ROSE _and_ GERALD _go out._ LADY FREDERICK _goes up to_ PARADINE _and takes his hands._
LADY FREDERICK.
Thanks awfully. You are a good friend.
FOULDES.
By George, how your eyes glitter!
LADY FREDERICK.
It's only belladonna, you know.
FOULDES.
I'm not such a fool as my nephew, my dear.
LADY FREDERICK.
Why did you do it?
FOULDES.
D'you know what gratitude is?
LADY FREDERICK.
Thanks for past favours and a lively sense of benefits to come.
FOULDES.
Well, yesterday you had my sister in the hollow of your hand. She gave you great provocation, and you burnt those confounded letters.