(As she goes into the hotel door, the waiter comes out
with plates, etc., for two additional covers on a tray.)
WAITER. Gentlemen come yet, ma'am?
MRS. CLANDON. Two more to come yet, thank you. They will be here,
immediately. (She goes into the hotel. The waiter takes his tray
to the service table.)
PHILIP. I have an idea. Mr. McComas: this communication should be
made, should it not, by a man of infinite tact?
McCOMAS. It will require tact, certainly.
PHILIP Good! Dolly: whose tact were you noticing only this morning?
DOLLY (seizing the idea with rapture). Oh, yes, I declare! William!
PHILIP. The very man! (Calling) William!
WAITER. Coming, sir.
McCOMAS (horrified). The waiter! Stop, stop! I will not permit
this. I---
WAITER (presenting himself between Philip and McComas). Yes, sir.
(McComas's complexion fades into stone grey; and all movement and
expression desert his eyes. He sits down stupefied.)
PHILIP. William: you remember my request to you to regard me as your
son?
WAITER (with respectful indulgence). Yes, sir. Anything you please,
sir.
PHILIP. William: at the very outset of your career as my father, a
rival has appeared on the scene.
WAITER. Your real father, sir? Well, that was to be expected,
sooner or later, sir, wasn't it? (Turning with a happy smile to
McComas.
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