The 'Mind the Paint' Girl - BestLightNovel.com
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I-- I'm surprised she didn't mention it to you 'erself when you brought 'er 'ome last night.
JEYES.
Mention what?
MRS. UPJOHN.
They're givin' 'er a supper to-night at the theatre.
JEYES.
The theatre?
ROPER.
[_Advancing._] Yes, Carlton's standing a little spread in the foyer, in honour of the occasion. [_Sitting at the tea-table._] Quite right too; she's _his_ best a.s.set, and chance it.
JEYES.
When was it fixed up?
ROPER.
Late last night.
JEYES.
The fact is, Lily and I had a slight tiff coming home last night.
[_Sitting on the settee in front of the writing-table._] Ha! I suppose she kept it from me to pay me out. [_Sharply._] Who's invited?
ROPER.
Er-- only the princ.i.p.al members of the Company, I understand.
MRS. UPJOHN.
[_Moistening her lips with her tongue._] Yes, only the members of the Company, Lil says.
ROPER.
With Morrie Cooling and Vincent Bland thrown in.
JEYES.
[_Looking at ROPER._] _You_ seem to know a lot about it, Roper.
ROPER.
I was behind when Morrie was going round to the dressing-rooms.
JEYES.
[_To ROPER, suspiciously._] Are _you_ asked?
ROPER.
[_Taken aback._] E--eh?
JEYES.
Are _you_ asked?
ROPER.
[_With an attempt at airiness._] Oh, yes, they've dragged me into it.
JEYES.
Since when have _you_ been a member of the Company?
ROPER.
No, but-- dash it, I've done business for Carlton in the City for twenty years or more----!
JEYES.
That doesn't make you one.
ROPER.
And I'm an old friend of Lil's.
JEYES.
Not older than I. [_Violently._] Why the blazes doesn't Smythe invite _me_?
ROPER.
[_Extending his arms._] My dear Nicko, _I'm_ not giving the party.
Really, you do jump down a man's throat----!
JEYES.
Sorry, sorry, sorry. [_Leaning back and thrusting his hands into his pocket._] Well, I'll put Jack and the Linthornes off. They don't want to sup with _me_; I shouldn't amuse 'em. [_Gazing at the carpet._] Her birthday, though! It'll be the first time I shall have been out of _that_ for-- how many years?-- six years. I---- [_Raising his head, he detects MRS. UPJOHN and ROPER eyeing each other uncomfortably._]
Anything the matter?
ROPER.
