Dolly, comes out. He vacillates for a moment on seeing Crampton.)

WAITER (softly--interrupting Crampton). Steady, sir. Here they
come, sir. (He takes up the stick and makes for the hotel, throwing the
coat across his arm. McComas turns the corners of his mouth resolutely
down and crosses to Crampton, who draws back and glares, with his hands
behind him. McComas, with his brow opener than ever, confronts him in
the majesty of a spotless conscience.)

WAITER (aside, as he passes Philip on his way out). I've broke it to
him, sir.

PHILIP. Invaluable William! (He passes on to the table.)

DOLLY (aside to the waiter). How did he take it?

WAITER (aside to her). Startled at first, miss; but resigned---very
resigned, indeed, miss. (He takes the stick and coat into the hotel.)

McCOMAS (having stared Crampton out of countenance). So here you
are, Mr. Crampton.

CRAMPTON. Yes, here--caught in a trap--a mean trap. Are those my
children?

PHILIP (with deadly politeness). Is this our father, Mr. McComas?

McCOMAS. Yes--er--- (He loses countenance himself and stops.)

DOLLY (conventionally). Pleased to meet you again. (She wanders