If Freddy had a bit of gumption, he would have got one at the theatre door.

THE MOTHER

What could he have done, poor boy?

THE DAUGHTER

Other people got cabs. Why couldnt he?

Freddy rushes in out of the rain from the Southampton Street side, and comes between them closing a dripping umbrella. He is a young man of twenty, in evening dress, very wet around the ankles.

THE DAUGHTER

Well, havnt you got a cab?

FREDDY

Theres not one to be had for love or money.

THE MOTHER

Oh, Freddy, there must be one. You cant have tried.

THE DAUGHTER

It's too tiresome. Do you expect us to go and get one ourselves?

FREDDY

I tell you theyre all engaged. The rain was so sudden: nobody was prepared; and everybody had to take a cab. Ive been to Charing Cross one way and nearly to Ludgate Circus the other; and they were all engaged.

THE MOTHER