Page:Heartbreak House, Great Catherine, and Playlets of the War.djvu/288

228 one of his sons, I should like a fair one that doesn't shave, with soft hair and a beard. I couldn't bear being kissed by a bristly person. [''She runs out, the Manager bowing as she passes. He follows her.'']

Ermyntrude whips off her waterproof; hides it; and gets herself swiftly into perfect trim at the mirror, before the Manager, with a large jewel case in his hand, returns, ushering in the Inca.

Captain Duval.

The Inca, in military uniform, advances with a marked and imposing stage walk; stops; orders the trembling Manager by a gesture to place the jewel case on the table; dismisses him with a frown; touches his helmet graciously to Ermyntrude; and takes off his cloak.

I beg you, madam, to be quite at your ease, and to speak to me without ceremony.

[moving haughtily and carelessly to the table]. I hadn't the slightest intention of treating you with ceremony. [She sits down: a liberty which gives him a perceptible shock.] I am quite at a loss to imagine why I should treat a perfect stranger named Duval: a captain! almost a subaltern! with the smallest ceremony.

That is true. I had for the moment forgotten my position.

It doesn't matter. You may sit down.

[frowning.] What!

I said, you. . . may. . . sit. . . down.

Oh. [''His moustache droops. He sits down.'']

What is your business?

I come on behalf of the Inca of Perusalem.

The Allerhöchst?