I haven't an idea. I'm rather frightened of him.
Gerald
You know, dear, if the worst comes to the worst…
Lady Frederick
Whatever happens you shall marry Rose. I promise you that.
[Paradine Fouldes appears.
Fouldes
May I come in?
Lady Frederick
[Gaily.] It's a public room. I don't see how we can possibly prevent you.
Gerald
I'm just going to take a stroll.
Lady Frederick
Do.
[He goes out.
Fouldes
Well? How are things going?
Lady Frederick
Quite well, thank you.
Fouldes
I've left Charlie with his mother. I hope you can spare him for a couple of hours.
Lady Frederick
I told him he must spend the afternoon with her. I don't approve of his neglecting his filial duty.
Fouldes
Ah!.. I saw Dick Cohen this morning.
Lady Frederick
[Quickly.] Did you?
Fouldes
It seems to interest you?
Lady Frederick
Not at all. Why should it?
Fouldes
[Smiling.] Nice little man, isn't he?
Lady Frederick
[Good humouredly.] I wish I had something to throw at you.
Fouldes
[With a laugh.] Well, I haven't got the confounded bills. I was too late.
Lady Frederick
Did you try?
Fouldes
Oh – yes, I thought it would interest Charlie to know how extremely needful it was for you to marry him.
Lady Frederick
Then who on earth has got them?
Fouldes
I haven't an idea, but they must make you very uncomfortable. Three thousand five hundred, eh?
Lady Frederick
Don't say it all at once. It sounds so much.
Fouldes
You wouldn't like to exchange those letters of Mereston's for seven thousand pounds, would you?
Lady Frederick