Even a rich man may be temporarily embarra.s.sed.

FOULDES.

Then be so good as to wait for one moment. [_He sits down at a table and writes a cheque._] No sight is more affecting than that of a millionaire in financial straits.

LADY FREDERICK.

Paradine!

FOULDES.

[_Handing the cheque._] Now, sir, I think that settles it. Will you exchange my cheque for those bills?

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

d.a.m.n you, I forgot you.

FOULDES.

You may not be aware that it's unusual to swear in the presence of ladies.

CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.

[_Looking at the cheque._] I suppose it's all right.

[PARADINE _goes to the door and opens it_.

FOULDES.

There is the window, and here is the door. Which will you choose?

[CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _looks at him without answering, shrugs his shoulders and goes out_.

LADY FREDERICK.

Oh, Paradine, you are a brick.

GERALD.

I say it's awfully good of you.

FOULDES.

Nonsense. I've got a strong sense of effect, and I always cultivate the dramatic situation.

LADY FREDERICK.

I shall never be able to pay you back, Paradine.

FOULDES.

My dear, I'm not entirely devoid of intelligence.

ADMIRAL.

Well, well, I must be off to take my const.i.tutional.

LADY FREDERICK.

And Rose and Gerald must take care of you. We shall all meet at luncheon.

ADMIRAL.

Yes, yes.

[_The_ ADMIRAL, ROSE _and_ GERALD _go out._ LADY FREDERICK _goes up to_ PARADINE _and takes his hands._

LADY FREDERICK.

Thanks awfully. You are a good friend.

FOULDES.

By George, how your eyes glitter!

LADY FREDERICK.

It's only belladonna, you know.

FOULDES.

I'm not such a fool as my nephew, my dear.

LADY FREDERICK.

Why did you do it?

FOULDES.

D'you know what grat.i.tude is?

LADY FREDERICK.

Thanks for past favours and a lively sense of benefits to come.

FOULDES.

Well, yesterday you had my sister in the hollow of your hand. She gave you great provocation, and you burnt those confounded letters.