Not at all, not at all. You remember that rose chiffon. I wore it the other day, and the dear Archduchess came up to me and said: "My dear, my dear." I thought she was going to have a fit. But when she recovered she kissed me on both cheeks and said: "Lady Frederick, you have a dressmaker worth her weight in gold." You heard her, Paradine, didn't you?
Fouldes
You forget that I only arrived last night.
Lady Frederick
Of course. How stupid of me. She'll be perfectly delighted to hear that you're in Monte Carlo. But I shall have to break it to her gently.
Madame Claude
[Unmoved.] I'm sorry to intrude upon your ladyship.
Lady Frederick
Now what are you talking about? If you hadn't come to see me I should never have forgiven you.
Madame Claude
I wanted to have a little talk with your ladyship.
Lady Frederick
Oh, but I hope we shall have many little talks. Have you brought your motor down?
Madame Claude
Yes.
Lady Frederick
That's charming. You shall take me for a drive in it every day. I hope you're going to stay some time.
Madame Claude
That depends on circumstances, Lady Frederick. I 'ave a little business to do here.
Lady Frederick
Then let me give you one warning – don't gamble.
Madame Claude
Oh, no, my lady. I gamble quite enough in my business as it is. I never know when my customers will pay their bills – if ever.
Lady Frederick
[Slightly taken aback.] Ha, ha, ha.
Fouldes
[With a deep guffaw.] Ho, ho, ho.
Lady Frederick
Isn't she clever? I must tell that to the Archduchess. She'll be so amused. Ha, ha, ha, ha. The dear Archduchess, you know she loves a little joke. You must really meet her. Will you come and lunch? I know you'd hit it off together.
Madame Claude
[More genially.] That's very kind of your ladyship.
Lady Frederick
My dear, you know perfectly well that I've always looked upon you as one of my best friends. Now who shall we have? There's you and me and the Archduchess. Then I'll ask Lord Mereston.
Madame Claude
The Marquess of Mereston, Lady Frederick?
Lady Frederick
Yes. And Mr. Fouldes, his uncle.
Madame Claude
Excuse me, are you the Mr. Paradine Fouldes?
Fouldes
[Bowing.] At your service, madam.
Madame Claude
I'm so glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Fouldes. [Unctuously.] I've always heard you're such a bad man.
Fouldes
Madam, you overwhelm me with confusion.
Madame Claude
Believe me, Mr. Fouldes, it's not the ladies that are married to saints who take the trouble to dress well.
Lady Frederick
Now we want a third man. Shall we ask my brother – you know Sir Gerald O'Mara, don't you? Or shall we ask Prince Doniani? Yes, I think we'll ask the Prince. I'm sure you'd like him. Such a handsome man! That'll make six.
Madame Claude