18
HECTOR. [Laughing heartily as he pats WALTER _on the shoulder._] Poor old Walter! And, d'you know, I was quite pleased at the thought of his getting married! I was! [_He turns to him._] But it's better, old chap, for us--we'd have missed you--terribly! [With another pat on WALTER'S _shoulder, he goes to the fire, and drops in the letter._] Mustn't leave that lying about! [_He turns._] Well, by Jove, if any one had told me.... And drinking to him, and all!
BETTY. If you'll fetch me that glass of Hock now, I will drink to him, Hector. To Walter, the Bachelor!
HECTOR. [_Beaming._] So we will! Good. I'll get it.
[_He bustles into the dining-room._
BETTY. [Moving swiftly to WALTER.] Well, now's your time. One thing or the other.
WALTER. [_Savagely._] You fiend!
BETTY. I'll go and see her to-morrow--see her constantly--
WALTER. Why are you doing this?
BETTY. You've ruined my life and his. At least, you shan't be happy.
WALTER. And you imagine I'll come back to _you_--that we'll go on, you and I?
BETTY. [_Scornfully._] No--don't be afraid! You've shown yourself to me to-day. That's all done with--finished. His friend now--with the load off you--but never her husband. Never!
[HECTOR _comes bustling back, with the bottle of Hock, and a wine-glass that he gives to_ BETTY--_she holds it, and he fills it from the bottle._
HECTOR. Here you are, my girl--and now, where's my whiskey? [_He trots round to the side table, finds his glass, and_ WALTER'S--hands one to WALTER.] Here, Wallie--yours must be the one that's begun--I didn't have time to touch mine! Here. [WALTER _takes it._] And forgive me, old man, for thinking, even one minute--[_He wrings him by the hand._] Here's to you, old friend. And Betty, to you! Oh, Lord, I just want this drink!
BETTY. [_In cold, clear tones, as she holds up her glass._] To Walter, the Bachelor!
[_She drains her glass;_