suddenly grips her shoulder._

PHILIP.

Ottoline----!

[_By a mutual impulse, they glance swiftly at the open
door, and then she throws herself into his arms._

OTTOLINE.

Philip----!

[_Just as swiftly, they separate; and a moment
afterwards_ ROOPE _returns, rubbing his hands cheerily._

ROOPE.

[_Advancing, but not shutting the door._] There! Now we're by
ourselves! [_To_ OTTOLINE.] You're not running away?

OTTOLINE.

[_Confused._] Oh, I--I----

ROOPE.

It's only half-past-three. Why don't you and Mackworth sit down and
have a little talk together? [_To_ PHILIP, _who has strolled to the
further window and is looking into the street._] You're in no hurry,
Phil?

PHILIP.

Not in the least.

ROOPE.

[_Crossing to the writing-table._] I'll finish answering my letters; I
sha'n't have a moment later on. [_Gathering up his correspondence._]
You won't disturb me; I'll polish 'em off in another room. [_To_
OTTOLINE.] Are you goin' to Lady Paulton's by-and-by, by any chance?

OTTOLINE.

[_Again at the fireplace, her back to_ ROOPE _and_ PHILIP.] And Mrs.
Jack Cathcart's--and Mrs. Le Roy's----

ROOPE.

You shall take me to Lowndes Square, if you will. [_Recrossing._]
Sha'n't be more than ten minutes. [_At the door._] Ten minutes, dear
excellent friends. A quarter-of-an-hour at the outside.

[_He vanishes, closing the door. There is a pause, and
then_ PHILIP _and_ OTTOLINE _turn to one another and he
goes to her._

OTTOLINE.

[_Her hands in his, breathlessly._] You _are_ glad to see me, then!
[_Laughing shyly._] Ha, ha! You _are_ glad!

PHILIP.

[_Tenderly._] Yes.

OTTOLINE.

You brute, Phil, to make me behave in such an undignified way!

PHILIP.

If there's any question of dignity, what on earth has become of mine? I
was the first to break down.

OTTOLINE.

To break down! Why should you try to treat me so freezingly? You can't
be angry with me still, after all