TANNER.
The police, and breaking my neck.
THE CHAUFFEUR.
Well, if you like easy going, you can take a bus, you know.
It's cheaper.
You pay me to save your time and give you the value of your thousand pound car. [He sits down calmly].
TANNER.
I am the slave of that car and of you too.
I dream of the accursed thing at night.
THE CHAUFFEUR.
You'll get over that.
If you're going up to the house, may I ask how long you're goin to stay there?
Because if you mean to put in the whole morning talkin to the ladies, I'll put the car in the stables and make myself comfortable.
If not, I'll keep the car on the go about here til you come.
TANNER.
Better wait here.
We shan't be long.
There's a young American gentleman, a Mr Malone, who is driving Mr Robinson down in his new American steam car.
THE CHAUFFEUR. [springing up and coming hastily out of the car to Tanner] American steam car!
Wot! racin us down from London!
TANNER.
Perhaps they're here already.
THE CHAUFFEUR.
If I'd known it! [with deep reproach] Why didn't you tell me, Mr Tanner?
TANNER.
Because I've been told that this car is capable of 84 miles an hour; and I already know what YOU are capable of when there is a rival car on the road.
No, Henry: there are things it is not good for you to know; and this was one of them.
However, cheer up: we are going to have a day after your own heart.
The American is to take Mr Robinson and his sister and Miss Whitefield.
We are to take Miss Rhoda.
THE CHAUFFEUR. [consoled, and musing on another matter] That's Miss Whitefield's sister, isn't it?
TANNER.
Yes.
THE CHAUFFEUR.
And Miss Whitefield herself is goin in the other car?
Not with you?
TANNER.
Why the devil should she come with me?
Mr Robinson will be in the other car. [The Chauffeur looks at Tanner with cool incredulity, and turns to the car, whistling a popular air softly to himself.
Tanner, a little annoyed, is about to pursue the subject when he hears the footsteps of Octavius on the gravel.
Octavius is coming from the house, dressed for motoring, but without his overcoat].
We've lost the race, thank Heaven: here's Mr Robinson.
Well, Tavy, is the steam car a success?
OCTAVIUS.
I think so.
We came from Hyde Park Corner here in seventeen minutes. [The Chauffeur, furious, kicks the car with a groan of vexation].
How long were you?
TANNER.
Oh, about three quarters of an hour or so.
THE CHAUFFEUR. [remonstrating] Now, now, Mr Tanner, come now!