Page:Et Cetera, a Collector's Scrap-Book (1924).djvu/38

 window, and there will be no more deaths in Batter¬ sea. But you may be useful to me.

D. V. [limply]: Anything I can do, I’m sure

Philip: My wife and I are not satisfied with our apartments here in life. The skies are overcast, the beds are hard, and the food is insufficient and badly served. We want a change. We want a better place to live in, a place with blue skies, where the necessaries of life are cheaper. I do not ask you whether it lies within your power to give us this, because I am certain that you do not know. All I require of you is that you should come when we call you.

D. V.: I will come.

Philip: Very well, I don’t think there’s anything more this evening to keep you from your business.

D. V.: One moment, Mr. Oldcastle. I’m sorry our interview has been marred by a little unpleasantness, but I should like to say that I shall not forget your noble and inspiring remarks. Such as I am, man has made me, but if there were more men like you to cheer me on to the attainment of some ideal, I am sure I should play my part with a better grace. See now, I have torn up the order. I give you and your good lady carte blanche to die when you please. Good-night, sir; good-night, madam.

Philip: Good-night.

Dorothy: Do be careful; the stairs are so dangerous. [Exit D. V.]