place.  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. FREEMANTLE.  Oh, yes.

VERNON.  Doesn’t she talk well?  I say, what have you been doing to yourself?

FANNY.  Jane thought this style—[with a gesture]—more appropriate to Lady Bantock.

VERNON.  Um!  Wonder if she’s right?  [To the Doctor]  What do you think?

DR. FREEMANTLE.  I think it a question solely for Lady Bantock.

VERNON.  Of course it is.  [To Fanny]  You know, you mustn’t let them dictate to you.  Dear, good, faithful souls, all of them.  But they must understand that you are mistress.

FANNY [she seizes eagerly at the chance].  You might mention it to them, dear.  It would come so much better from you.