A few seconds after Brigid enters with Robert Hand. Robert Hand is a middlesized, rather stout man between thirty and forty. He is cleanshaven, with mobile features. His hair and eyes are dark and his complexion sallow. His gait and speech are rather slow. He wears a dark blue morning suit and carries in his hand a large bunch of red roses wrapped in tissue paper.)

ROBERT

(Coming toward. her with outstretched hand which she takes.) My dearest coz. Brigid told me you were here. I had no notion. Did you send mother a telegram?

BEATRICE

(Gazing at the roses.) No.

ROBERT

(Following her gaze.) You are admiring my roses. I brought them to the mistress of the house. (Critically.) I am afraid they are not nice.

BRIGID

O, they are lovely, sir. The mistress will be delighted with them.

ROBERT

(Lays the roses carelessly on a chair out of sight.) Is nobody in?

BRIGID

Yes, sir. Sit down, sir. They'll be here now any moment. The master was here. (She looks about her and with a half curtsey goes out on the right.)

ROBERT

(After a short silence.) How are you, Beatty? And how are all down in Youghal? As dull as ever?

BEATRICE

They were well when I left.

ROBERT

(Politely.) O, but I'm sorry I did not know you were coming. I would have met you at the train. Why did you do it? You have some queer ways about you, Beatty, haven't you?

BEATRICE

(In the same tone.) Thank you, Robert. I am quite used to getting about alone.

ROBERT

Yes, but I mean to say... O, well, you have arrived in your own characteristic way. (A noise is heard at the window and a boy's voice is heard calling, Mr Hand! Robert turns.) By Jove, Archie, too, is arriving in a characteristic way!

(Archie scrambles into the room through the open window on the left and then rises to his feet, flushed and panting. Archie is a boy of eight years, dressed in white breeches, jersey and cap. He wears spectacles, has a lively manner and speaks with the slight trace of a foreign accent.)

BEATRICE

(Going towards him.) Goodness gracious, Archie! What is the matter?

ARCHIE

(Rising, out of breath.) Eh! I ran all the avenue.

ROBERT

(Smiles and holds out his hand.) Good evening, Archie. Why did you run?

ARCHIE

(Shakes hands.) Good evening. We saw you on the top of the tram, and I shouted Mr Hand! But you did not see me. But we saw you, mamma and I. She will be here in a minute. I ran.

BEATRICE

(Holding out her hand.) And poor me!

ARCHIE

(Shakes hands somewhat shyly.) Good evening, Miss Justice.

BEATRICE

Were you disappointed that I did not come last Friday for the lesson?

ARCHIE

(Glancing at her, smiles.) No.

BEATRICE

Glad?

ARCHIE

(Suddenly.) But today it is too late.

BEATRICE

A very short lesson?

ARCHIE

(Pleased.) Yes.

BEATRICE

But now you must study, Archie.

ROBERT

Were you at the bath?

ARCHIE

Yes.

ROBERT

Are you a good swimmer now?

ARCHIE

(Leans against the davenport.) No. Mamma won't let me into the deep place.