GEOFFREY enters. He has left his out-door things
in the hall. He crosses and rings the bell. A moment.]
[HAKE enters.]
GEOFFREY Oh, you, Hake! There wasn't any need for you to have
stopped.
HAKE I was not sure of your arrangements. I thought perhaps I
might be wanted.
GEOFFREY Sorry. I ought to have told you.
HAKE It's been no inconvenience, sir. I told Mrs. Hake not to sit
up.
GEOFFREY [He is opening and reading his letters left for him on
the table.] Does she generally sit up for you?
HAKE As a rule, sir. We like a little chat before going to bed.
GEOFFREY [His eyes on a letter.] What do you find to chat about?
HAKE Oh, there is so much for a husband and wife to talk about.
The-- As a rule.
[A clock on the mantelpiece strikes one.]
GEOFFREY What's that?
HAKE Quarter past twelve, sir.
GEOFFREY Has your mistress come in?
HAKE Not yet, sir. Has the election gone all right, sir?
GEOFFREY For Mrs. Chilvers, yes. She is now member for East
Poplar.
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