JACK. Then, what do you mean by it? Look here, Simpson, if you’re not
very careful I’ll not let you speak to mam’zelle at all. (_He says
this as if he had ordered SIMPSON out to instant execution._) I’m
trying to make everything as nice and comfortable as I can for you.
I’ve said a lot of nice things to mam’zelle about you, and tried to
make her like you too, and this is how you serve me. (_Putting down
his fist impressively on the table._) I won’t have another word said
about the Navy. We’ve done with it. Mam’zelle and I are to be married
on Thursday. (_He puts out one hand towards her and she takes it._)
We shall sail for Singapore a day or two after. At Singapore I shall
charter a small vessel, and we shall go for a long cruise--and I don’t
know when we are coming back. Now, Simpson, did you grasp all that?
SIMPSON. Yes, sir.
JACK. You’re quite sure you understand about the Navy?
SIMPSON. Yes, sir.
JACK. No more whining about it?
SIMPSON. No, sir.
JACK. No more lamentations about your fifteen years’ service?
SIMPSON. No, sir.
JACK (_sitting_). Then serve the breakfast! (_During the conversation
at the table, SIMPSON makes two or three attempts to break in and
explain the real cause of his distress--but his courage fails each
time. He shows by his manner, also, that the discussion of their plans
causes him acute suffering._)
JACK (_turning to OMETSU_). Well, little woman, what shall
we do to-day? Something beautiful, something delightful,
wonderful--because--you can’t have another seventeenth birthday. Shall
we go to the lake and have a little picnic all by our two selves?
(_She smiles and nods delightedly._) And we’ll draw up plans for the
wedding. (_Turns to SIMPSON, who is waiting on them._) You know,
Simpson, I’d half made up my mind to let you come and be a witness at
the wedding, but I feel very angry with you just now. I don’t think you
ought to be near her at present. I think you’d better keep out of the
way until after the wedding. (_Turns to OMETSU._) Would you like me to
keep him out of sight, darling?
OMETSU. Oh, no, dear. I’m sure he didn’t mean to make me unhappy.
JACK. Yes, I know, sweetheart, but he mustn’t make these mistakes.
Well, I’ll think about it. Make up a nice tiffin for us Simpson.
Everything of the best. Put in a small bottle of champagne for me.
(_Pause._) D’ye hear, Simpson?
SIMPSON (_who is standing behind, chokingly_). Yes, sir.
JACK. Shall I drive Darling in the trap? We can take Simpson with us,
and he can bring it back and then fetch us about four or five, eh,
sweetheart?
OMETSU (_smiles and nods_). Lovely!
JACK (_still going on with his breakfast_). Did you hear that, Simpson?
Go out and tell the boy to have the trap ready by---- (_Looks at
his watch, and then turns to OMETSU._) Shall we say eleven o’clock,
sweetheart? It’s ten now.
OMETSU. Yes, dear, that will do beautifully.
JACK. Eleven o’clock, Simpson. Tell him to be here at eleven; and I
shall want you to come with us and bring the trap back. (_Pause;
SIMPSON shows signs of distress._) Simpson, did you hear what I said?
(_Turns round and sees SIMPSON’S face._) What’s the matter, man?
Aren’t you well?
SIMPSON (_licks his lips_). Well, sir-- (_swallows_) the fact is, sir,
I don’t feel up to much this morning, sir. (_Wipes his face._)
OMETSU. Jack, dear, I don’t think he can be well. He was like that when
I came down, and I had to give him some brandy----
JACK (_wheeling round in his chair_). Brandy! Simpson, what do you want
brandy for?