20
[Act I
Robert
Were you at the bath?
Archie
Yes.
Robert
Are you a good swimmer now?
Archie
[Leans against the davenport.] No. Mamma won't let me into the deep place. Can you swim well, Mr Hand?
Robert
Splendidly. Like a stone.
Archie
[Laughs.] Like a stone! [Pointing down.] Down that way?
Robert
[Pointing.] Yes, down; straight down. How do you say that over in Italy?
Archie
That? Giù. [Pointing down and up.] That is giù and this is sù. Do you want to speak to my pappie?
Robert
Yes. I came to see him.
Archie
[Going towards the study.] I will tell him. He is in there, writing.
Beatrice
[Calmly, looking at Robert.] No; he is out. He is gone to the post with some letters.
