What you’ve got there is a chance to make a future for yourself. Lots of business openings nowadays if you’ve got some capital, and you’re prepared to—oh yes, know you laugh at me when I go on about them sellin’ off the army surplus from the war. But that’s what’s on the market, and it’s gunna make a lot of money. You just say the word, and I will talk to Mister Bromige—see if he will let you put some cash in on the ground floor? Only you, mind, not that Barney—

ROO: Army surplus? No, thanks, Emma. [Shoving the official papers into his pockets] Bit close to the bone.

EMMA: Dunno what you’re talkin’ about. More than an investment, it’s a sure bet. I got all that I can spare tied up in it. And I’d put more in, if I—

ROO shakes his head.

You got any better proposition?

ROO: Yeh. [Grinning] Swanky silver fox cape. Comes down around here.

EMMA: [snorting] Oh well, then. Jack Muggin’s ass. Throw your money away, see if I care.

NANCY and BARNEY come downstairs. Signs of a truce, BARNEY has his arm around her waist, NANCY is wearing a dressing-gown. EMMA snatches up the tablecloth and departs for the kitchen.

Haven’t learnt a lesson from the day you came down from the canefields.

The arrivals have paused on the stairs, and BARNEY queries EMMA’s parting shot:

BARNEY: What have you been up to?

ROO: Nothin’ yet. Just somethin’ that I got in mind—and Nancy, you’re the one for this. What’s the best fur shop in town?

NANCY: Fur shop? Furriers?

ROO: Olive and me are goin’ shoppin’, and I want to buy her a present. I thought one of them silver fox capes she’s been on about—

NANCY: You thought what?

ROO: Have to keep it quiet. We’re s’posed to be goin’ out to buy some shirts and stuff for me.

NANCY: Silver fox capes—

ROO: —cost the earth. No problem. Gunna jack in my gratuity.

BARNEY: Boy, you did get a whack on the head.

ROO: More than cover it. What I want to know is where I go to get the best?

NANCY: Oh well, go no further, I can tell you. Fellers want to spend their money, I know all the ritzy places. [A sidelong glance at BARNEY] I can even point out the expensive jewellery shops, if anybody’s interested.

BARNEY: Might be in the market for a slave bracelet.

NANCY: You would, too. A little silver chain around the ankle, with a plate that says: ‘Return to Owner’—

A spurt of general laughter, which hangs in the air with the entrance of OLIVE at the French windows.

ROO: [a buoyant cover] Hey—how d’you get on? You talk to them, straighten them out?