have got a film face. What are
they, if I may ask?

MAUD. [Reproducing the sealing-wax] The Fanshawe diamonds. There's
just one thing here too, Topping.

In real life, which should I naturally do--put them in here [She touches
her chest] or in my bag?

TOPPING. [Touching his waistcoat--earnestly] Well! To put 'em in here,
Miss, I should say is more--more pishchological.

MAUD. [Subduing her lips] Yes; but--

TOPPING. You see, then you've got 'em on you.

MAUD. But that's just the point. Shouldn't I naturally think: Safer in
my bag; then I can pretend somebody put them there. You see, nobody
could put them on me.

TOPPING. Well, I should say that depends on your character. Of course I
don't know what your character is.

MAUD. No; that's the beastly part of it--the author doesn't, either.
It's all left to me.

TOPPING. In that case, I should please myself, Miss. To put 'em in
'ere's warmer.

MAUD. Yes, I think you're right. It's more human.

TOPPING. I didn't know you 'ad a taste this way, Miss Maud.

MAUD. More than a taste, Topping--a talent.

TOPPING. Well, in my belief, we all have a vice about us somewhere. But
if I were you, Miss, I wouldn't touch bettin', not with this other on
you. You might get to feel a bit crowded.

MAUD. Well, then, only put the ten bob on if you're sure he's going to
win. You can post the money on after me. I'll send you an address,
Topping, because I shan't be here.

TOPPING. [Disturbed] What! You're not going, too, Miss Maud?

MAUD. To seek my fortune.

TOPPING. Oh! Hang it all, Miss, think of what you'll leave behind.
Miss Athene's leavin' home has made it pretty steep, but this'll touch
bottom--this will.

MAUD. Yes; I expect you'll find it rather difficult for a bit when I'm
gone. Miss Baldini, you know. I've been studying with her. She's got
me this chance with the movie people. I'm going on trial as the guilty
typist in "The Heartache of Miranda."

TOPPING. [Surprised out of politeness] Well, I never! That does sound
like 'em! Are you goin' to tell the guv'nor, Miss?

MAUD nods. In that case, I think I'll be gettin' off to my dentist
before the band plays.

MAUD. All right, Topping; hope you won't lose a tooth.

TOPPING. [With a grin] It's on the knees of the gods, Miss, as they say
in the headlines.

He goes. MAUD stretches herself and listens.

MAUD. I believe that's them. Shivery funk