SCENE--_A CHARMING DRAWING-ROOM._ TIME--_ABOUT 9:30 P.M._

Mr. RIVENLUTE _is on a chair by the open window_; Mrs.
RIVENLUTE _on a low stool by his side_.

_Mrs. R._ (_for the fiftieth time_). I can't _ever_ thank you _nearly_
enough for this _lovely_ ring, JACK dear!

_Jack_ (_rather gruffly_). Oh, it's all right, Pussy. Glad you like
it, I'm sure. Do they mean to bring in the lamps? It's pitch dark.

_Mrs. R._ I'll ring presently--not just yet. It was so _dear_ of you
to remember what day it was!

_Jack_ (_who only just remembered it in time, as he was driving
home_). Been a brute if I hadn't!

_Mrs. R._ You _couldn't_ be a brute, JACK, if you tried--not to _me._
I'm so glad we haven't got to go out anywhere to-night, aren't _you_?

_Jack_ (_heartily_). Rather! Beastly bore turning out after dinner.
What on earth are you up to over there?

_Mrs. R._ (_who has risen, and has apparently been winding up some
instrument in the corner--as she returns_). Oh, it's only something I
wanted to do this evening.... Now, JACK, listen!

[_The phonograph begins to click and whirr._

_Jack_. That beastly cat in the room again! Turn it out quick--it's