for a moment.

HE [formally] I am at your service.

HER HUSBAND. No hurry. After the theatre will do.

HE. We have decided not to go.

HER HUSBAND. Indeed! Well, then, shall we adjourn to my snuggery?

SHE. You needn't move. I shall go and lock up my diamonds since
I'm not going to the theatre. Give me my things.

HER HUSBAND [as he hands her the cloud and the mirror] Well, we
shall have more room here.

HE [looking about him and shaking his shoulders loose] I think I
should prefer plenty of room.

HER HUSBAND. So, if it's not disturbing you, Rory--?

SHE. Not at all. [She goes out].

When the two men are alone together, Bompas deliberately takes
the poems from his breast pocket; looks at them reflectively;
then looks at Henry, mutely inviting his attention. Henry refuses
to understand, doing his best to look unconcerned.

HER HUSBAND. Do these manuscripts seem at all familiar to you,
may I ask?