Dolly Reforming Herself Part 29

_Matt._ So you ought to be. And so's the lady.

_Lucas._ Is she?

_Matt._ Yes. When we got your wire yesterday saying you'd motor down to-day, Dolly had a long talk with her, and the result was she thanked Dolly and me for getting you out of the way and saving her from you.

_Lucas._ Did she?

_Matt._ Yes, for twenty minutes. She kissed Dolly, and I think she would have kissed me, only I didn't feel myself quite worthy.

_Lucas._ Oh, so that's all settled!

_Matt._ That's all settled. At least, let's hope so.

_Lucas._ What do you mean?

_Matt._ Well, you won't come----

_Lucas._ What?

_Matt._ The same old game.

_Lucas._ What same old game?

_Matt._ Why, _the_ same old game!

_Lucas._ You must be judging me by yourself, when you were young.

_Matt._ My dear boy, that's just what I am doing. Lucas, there's not going to be any repet.i.tion----

_Lucas._ No--no.

_Matt._ Because it isn't the right thing to do, is it?

_Lucas._ No.

_Matt._ Very well then, don't do it!

_Lucas._ I won't! [_Listening._] Ah! [DOLLY _and_ HARRY'S _voices heard in hall_] Dolly and Harry!

DOLLY _and_ HARRY _enter very lovingly._

_Lucas._ Hillo, Doll, old girl! Happy New Year!

_Dolly._ Happy New Year, Lu!

_Lucas._ Harry, old brick, how goes it?

_Harry._ Splendid!

_Lucas._ Happy New Year!

_Harry._ Happy New Year! [_Looking lovingly at_ DOLLY.] By Jove, Doll, you can foot it. [_To_ LUCAS.] Doll and I have just raced up from the farm. She licked me! bless her!

_Dolly._ Yes, because you encouraged me!

_Harry._ [_Looking at her lovingly and admiringly, kisses her heartily._] There aren't many things this little woman can't do.

_Dolly._ When you encourage me!

_Harry._ Oh, I'll encourage you!

[_He again kisses her heartily._

_Harry._ Well, Lu, old boy, glad to see you home again. Arm pretty bad?

_Lucas._ No, nearly well, unfortunately.

_Dolly._ Down for the day?

_Lucas._ Well, now my car has broken down, I was wondering if you'd put me up----

_Dolly._ [_Firmly._] No. We shall be pleased for you to stay to dinner.

_Harry._ There's the spare room, Doll.

_Dolly._ [_Firmly._] No. That may be wanted for Renie or myself.

_Harry._ [_Half aside to her._] I say, not for you, old girl!

_Lucas._ Oh, well, I shall have to get a shake-down at the Red Lion.

_Enter_ RENIE _at back, still in outdoor clothes._

_Renie._ [_Feigning a little surprise._] Captain Wentworth! A happy New Year!

_Lucas._ Happy New Year, Mrs. Sturgess.

[_Shaking hands._

_Renie._ So sorry to hear of your wound!

_Lucas._ Oh, it's healed, thank you.

_Renie._ I'm so glad. Shall you be making a long stay in England?

_Lucas._ I fear only a few days longer.

_Renie._ I'm sorry your visit will be so short.