ALEC.
[_Blandly._] Ah, I thought I should find you here, Lady Kelsey.
LADY KELSEY.
[_Shaking hands with him._] How d'you do? We've just been talking of you.
ALEC.
Really?
LADY KELSEY.
It's so late, we were afraid you wouldn't come. I should have been dreadfully disappointed.
ALEC.
It's very kind of you to say so. I've been at the Travellers', reading various appreciations of my own character.
LADY KELSEY.
[_Somewhat embarrassed._] Oh, I heard there was something about you in the papers.
ALEC.
There's a good deal. I really had no idea the world was so interested in me.
LADY KELSEY.
It's charming of you to come to-night. I'm sure you hate dances!
ALEC.
Oh, no, they interest me enormously. I remember, one of the Kings of Uganda gave a dance in my honour. Ten thousand warriors in war-paint. I assure you it was most impressive.
DICK.
My dear fellow, if paint is the attraction you really need not go much farther than Mayfair.
ALEC.
[_Pretending for the first time to notice_ BOULGER.] Ah, there's my little friend Bobbie. I thought you had a headache?
LADY KELSEY.
[_Quickly._] I'm afraid Bobby is dreadfully dissipated. He's not looking at all well.
ALEC.
[_Good-humouredly._] You shouldn't keep such late hours, Bobbie. At your age one wants one's beauty sleep.
BOULGER.
It's very kind of you to take an interest in me. My headache has passed off.
ALEC.
I'm very glad. What do you use--Phenacetin?
BOULGER.
It went away of its own accord--after dinner.
ALEC.
[_Smiling._] So you resolved to give the girls a treat by coming to Lady Kelsey's dance? How nice of you not to disappoint them! [_He turns to_ LUCY _and holds out his hand. They look into one another's eyes. She takes his hand._] I sent you a paper this evening.
LUCY.
It was very good of you.
[CARBERY _comes forward and offers his arm._
CARBERY.
I think this is my dance, Miss Allerton. May I take you in?
ALEC.
Carbery? I saw you in Piccadilly just now! You were darting about just like a young gazelle. I had no idea you could be so active.
CARBERY.
I didn't see you.
ALEC.
I observed that you were deeply interested in the shop windows as I passed. How are you?
[_He holds out his hand, and for a moment_ CARBERY _hesitates to take it. But_ ALEC'S _steady gaze compels him._
CARBERY.
How d'you do?
ALEC.
[_With an amused smile._] So glad to see you again, old man.