m'en defends pas._ You consent?

OTTOLINE.

[_Pouting._] I may let my people know of the arrangement, may I not?
You'll see them?

PHILIP.

My dear, what would be gained by that _now_?

OTTOLINE.

It would enable you to come often to Ennismore Gardens, and have cosy
teas with me in my room. We couldn't be--what we _are_--on the sly
indefinitely; it's impracticable. There'll be a storm at first, but it
will soon blow over. [_Making a wry face._] Still, if you'd rather----

PHILIP.

No, no; I'll see them, if you wish me to. [_Nodding._] We'll be open
and above-board from the start.

OTTOLINE.

Ha, ha! [_Sighing happily._] Ah-h-h-h!

PHILIP.

[_His tone changing to one of misgiving._] Ah, Otto, I begin to be
afraid that I oughtn't--that I oughtn't to have spoken to you----

OTTOLINE.

Why?

PHILIP.

[_Gravely._] You will never be patient--you'll never be content to
wait, if need be!

OTTOLINE.

Content, no. But _patient_! [_In a whisper._] Shall I tell you a
secret?

PHILIP.

Well?

OTTOLINE.

I've been waiting--waiting for you--in my dreams--for ten years!

PHILIP.

[_Ardently._] Otto----!

OTTOLINE.

Isn't _that_ patience?

[_Their lips meet in a lingering kiss. The handle of the
door on the left is heard to rattle. Looking at the
door, they draw back from one another. The handle
rattles again._

PHILIP.

It's that idiot Robbie.

OTTOLINE.

Ha, ha, ha, ha----!

[_The door opens, and_ ROOPE _appears, with an air of
unconcern._

ROOPE.

[_Humming._] Tra, lal, lal, la----! _That's_ done, dear excellent
friends! [_Closing the door, and coming forward._] Upon my word,
letters are the curse of one's existence----!

OTTOLINE.

Ha, ha----! [_Seizing him._] Robbie----!

ROOPE.

[_Startled._] Hey?

OTTOLINE.

I can't take you t