DORA. Now, Bobby: introduce me: theres a dear.
BOBBY. [a little nervous about it; but trying to keep up his
spirits] Miss Delaney: Mr and Mrs Knox. [Knox, as he resumes his
seat, acknowledges the introduction suspiciously. Mrs Knox bows
gravely, looking keenly at Dora and taking her measure without
prejudice].
DORA. Pleased to meet you. [Juggins places the baby rocking-chair
for her on Mrs Gilbey's right, opposite Mrs Knox]. Thank you. [She
sits and turns to Mrs Gilbey] Bobby's given me the squiffer. [To
the company generally] Do you know what theyve been doing
downstairs? [She goes off into ecstasies of mirth]. Youd never
guess. Theyve been trying to teach me table manners. The Lieutenant
and Rudolph say I'm a regular pig. I'm sure I never knew there was
anything wrong with me. But live and learn [to Gilbey] eh, old
dear?
JUGGINS. Old dear is not correct, Miss Delaney. [He retires to the
end of the sideboard nearest the door].
DORA. Oh get out! I must call a man something. He doesnt mind: do
you, Charlie?
MRS GILBEY. His name isnt Charlie.
DORA. Excuse me. I call everybody Charlie.
JUGGINS. You mustnt.
DORA. Oh, if I were to mind you, I should have to hold my tongue
altogether; and then how sorry youd be! Lord, how I do run on! Dont
mind me, Mrs Gilbey.
KNOX. What I want to know is, whats to be the end of this? It's not
for me to interfere between you and your son, Gilbey: he knows his
own intentions best, no doubt, and perhaps has told them to you.
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