Act V

One of the smaller Bond Street Picture Galleries. The entrance is
from a picture shop. Nearly in the middle of the gallery there is
a writing-table, at which the Secretary, fashionably dressed,
sits with his back to the entrance, correcting catalogue proofs.
Some copies of a new book are on the desk, also the Secretary's
shining hat and a couple of magnifying glasses. At the side, on
his left, a little behind him, is a small door marked PRIVATE.
Near the same side is a cushioned bench parallel to the walls,
which are covered with Dubedat's works. Two screens, also covered
with drawings, stand near the corners right and left of the
entrance.

Jennifer, beautifully dressed and apparently very happy and
prosperous, comes into the gallery through the private door.

**

JENNIFER. Have the catalogues come yet, Mr Danby?

THE SECRETARY. Not yet.

JENNIFER. What a shame! It's a quarter past: the private view
will begin in less than half an hour.

THE SECRETARY. I think I'd better run over to the printers to
hurry them up.

JENNIFER. Oh, if you would be so good, Mr Danby. I'll take your
place while youre away.

THE SECRETARY. If anyone should come before the time dont take
any notice. The commissionaire wont let anyone through unless he
knows him. We have a few people who like to come before the
crowd--people who really buy; and of course we're glad to see
them. Have you seen the notices in Brush and Crayon and in The
Easel?

JENNIFER [indignantly] Yes: most disgraceful. They write quite
patronizingly, as if they were Mr Dubedat's superiors. After all
the cigars and sandwiches they had from us on the press day, and
all they drank, I really think it is infamous that they should
write like that. I hope you have not sent them tickets for to-
day.

THE SECRETARY. Oh, they wont come again: theres no lunch to-day.
The advance copies of your book have come. [He indicates the new
books].

JENNIFER [pouncing on a copy, wildly excited] Give it to me. Oh!
excuse me a moment [she runs away with it through the private
door].

The Secretary takes a mirror from his drawer and smartens himself
before going out. Ridgeon comes in.

RIDGEON. Good morning. May I look round, as well, before the
doors open?

THE SECRETARY. Certainly, Sir Colenso. I'm sorry catalogues have
not come: I'm just going to see about them. Heres my own list, if
you dont mind.

RIDGEON. Thanks. Whats this? [He takes up one the new books].

THE SECRETARY. Thats just come in. An advance copy of Mrs
Dubedat's Life of her late husband.

RIDGEON [reading the title] The Story of a King By His Wife. [He
looks at the portrait frontise]. Ay: