That being so, the sooner it takes
place the better. [He rises.] What are you afraid of?
FANNY [she changes her tone--the talk becomes serious]. You've known
Vernon all his life?
DR. FREEMANTLE. No one better.
FANNY. Tell me. I've known him only as a lover. What sort of a man
is he?
A pause. They are looking straight into each other's eyes.
DR. FREEMANTLE. A man it pays to be perfectly frank with.
FANNY. It's a very old family, isn't it?
DR. FREEMANTLE. Old! Good Lord no! First Lord Bantock was only
Vernon's great-grandfather. That is the woman that did it all. [He
is looking at the Hoppner.]
FANNY. How do you mean?
DR. FREEMANTLE. Got them their title. Made the name of Bantock of
importance in the history of the Georges. Clever woman.
FANNY [leaning over a chair, she is staring into the eyes of the
first Lady Bantock]. I wonder what she would have done if she had
ever got herself into a really first-class muddle?
DR. FREEMANTLE. One thing's certain. [Fanny turns to him.] She'd
have got out of it.
FANNY [addresses the portrait]. I do wish you could talk.
Vernon bursts into the room. He has been riding. He throws aside
his hat and stick.
VERNON. Hulloa! This is good of you. [He shakes hands with the
Doctor.] How are you? [Without waiting for any reply, he goes to
Fanny, kisses her.] Good morning, dear. How have you been getting
on together, you two? Has she been talking to you?
DR.
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