Dick
Now then, Bobbie, shut up!
Boulger
I shan't shut up. The man's got no right to force himself here.
Dick
Remember that you're Lady Kelsey's nephew.
Boulger
I didn't ask him. D'you think I'd have come if I knew he was going to be here? He's acknowledged that he has no defence.
Alec
Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny nothing.
Boulger
That won't do for me. I want the truth, and I'm going to get it. I've got a right to know.
Alec
[Beginning to lose his temper.] Don't make an ass of yourself, Bobby.
Boulger
By God, I'll make you answer!
[As he says this he goes up to Alec furiously, but Alec. with a twist of his arm, hurls him back.
Alec
I could break your back, you silly boy.
[With a cry of anger Boulger is about to spring at Alec when Dick gets in the way.
Dick
Now then, no scenes. And you'll only get the worst of it, Bobby. Alec could just crumple you up. Take him away, Mallins. Don't stand there like a stuffed owl, Carbery.
Boulger
Let me alone, you fool!
Mallins
Come along, old chap.
Boulger
[To Alec.] You damned skunk!
Dick
Now then, be off with you. Don't make a silly ass of yourself.
[Boulger, Mallins and Carbery go out.
Dick
Poor Lady Kelsey! To-morrow half London will be saying that you and Bobby had a stand-up fight in her drawing-room.
Alec
[Furiously.] The damned cubs!
Dick
The position is growing confoundedly awkward!
Alec
They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they turn against me like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise them – these silly boys who stay at home wallowing in their ease while men work. Thank God, I've done with them all now. They think one can fight one's way through Africa as easily as one walks down Piccadilly. They think one goes through hardships and dangers, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a dinner-party in Mayfair.
Dick
My dear Alec, keep calm.
Alec
[With a visible effort containing himself completely, with studied nonchalance.] D'you think that I look wildly excited?
Dick
[Ironically.] I don't think butter would melt in your mouth.
[Dick and Alec go out into the garden. In a moment Boulger comes in with Lady Kelsey.
Boulger
Thank heaven, there's nobody here.
Lady Kelsey
I think you're dreadfully foolish, Bobby. You know how Lucy resents any interference with her actions.