A Harvest of Chaff

is suffering from Rhine-water-on- the-brain, being wedded to an unflinching votary of Wagner.) Thomas (a Footman). Scene?The Duchess's Drawing-room in May- fair. Time?3.15 on a fine Gotterddmmerung afternoon. The Duchess is seated in the act of digesting a heavy luncheon. Enter Reginald, very haggard from compulsory assistance at the Cycle. The Duchess. But, my dear Reggie, how pale you look ! And what are you doing in evening dress at this time of day ? Didn't you get to bed at all last night ? Reginald. Worn am I out! Of afternoon watches This makes the third ! Too soon for the season, Ere sinketh the sun, Falls at four precisely The dusk of the deities. Mightless to match The will of my wife, Hie I to the Hoop, To the Waning of Walhall! Duch. Reggie, you are wandering. You are not yourself. Won't you ring for some brandy- and-soda ? Reg. (ringing for Footman). Thanks. Of my throat The drought am I fain To drench with a nip Of the Nothung, or Needful. Enter Thomas. Duch. Thomas, some brandy-and-soda, quick. Exit Thomas. Reg. Numbed by this brew, Unshattered my nerves Shall be by the shock, When the virtueless villain Smites in the small Of his back the bigamous Bridegroom of Brunnhild. Duch. " Broonhilda!" Isn't she somebodyin Wagner? Of course. I understand now. Poor dear boy! How you must have suffered! Reg. Ware as a wink Of the Wanderer's Wall-eye, Discovers my...