_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.