Then he rises and, pulling out a pump from behind the piano, walks here and there in the room ejecting from it into the air sprays of perfume. He inhales the air slowly and then puts the pump buck behind the piano. He sits down on a chair near the table and, smoothing his hair carefully, sighs once or twice. Then, thrusting his hands into his trousers pockets, he leans back, stretches out his legs, and waits. A knock is heard at the street door. He rises quickly.)

ROBERT

(Exclaims.) Bertha!

(He hurries out by the door on the right. There is a noise of confused greeting. After a few moments Robert enters, followed by Richard Rowan, who is in gray tweeds as before but holds in one hand a dark felt hat and in the other an umbrella.)

ROBERT

First of all let me put these outside. (He takes the hat and umbrella, leaves them in the hall and returns.)

ROBERT

(Pulling round a chair.) Here you are. You are lucky to find me in. Why didn't you tell me today? You were always a devil for surprises. I suppose my evocation of the past was too much for your wild blood. See how artistic I have become. (He points to the walls.) The piano is an addition since your time. I was just strumming out Wagner when you came. Killing time. You see I am ready for the fray. (Laughs.) I was just wondering how you and the vicechancellor were getting on together. (With exaggerated alarm.) But are you going in that suit? O well, it doesn't make much odds, I suppose. But how goes the time? (He takes out his watch.) Twenty past eight already, I declare!

RICHARD

Have you an appointment?

ROBERT

(Laughs nervously.) Suspicious to the last!

RICHARD

Then I may sit down?

ROBERT

Of course, of course. (They both sit down.) For a few minutes, anyhow. Then we can both go on together. We are not bound for time. Between eight and nine, he said, didn't he? What time is it, I wonder? (Is about to look again at his watch; then stops.) Twenty past eight, yes.

RICHARD

(Wearily, sadly.) Your appointment also was for the same hour. Here.

ROBERT

What appointment?

RICHARD

With Bertha.

ROBERT

(Stares at him.) Are you mad?

RICHARD

Are you?

ROBERT

(After a long pause.) Who told you?

RICHARD

She.

(A short silence.)

ROBERT

(In a low voice.) Yes. I must have been mad. (Rapidly.) Listen to me, Richard. It is a great relief to me that you have come-- the greatest relief. I assure you that ever since this afternoon I have thought and thought how I could break it off without seeming a fool. A great relief! I even intended to send word...