H'm! Katherine, are you sure that Mrs. Gayl.u.s.tre is _quite_----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Oh, quite.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

If I were you I should really think twice----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Oh, I can't.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Can't think twice?

LADY TWOMBLEY.

I can't risk offending such a--dear friend.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

But, Katherine----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Understand me, pa--she will sit in our carriage.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Then understand _me_, Katherine, I will not have my knees cramped by a lady whose social status is equivocal.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Ah! Julian! Don't attempt to come between me and Mrs. Gayl.u.s.tre.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Katherine!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

You will a.s.sist her into the carriage, you will help her to alight; when she arrives you will be charmed to see her, when she leaves you will be a ma.s.s of regret. You hear me!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

This is a most extraordinary friendship!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

It _is_ an exceptional friendship. Pa, say you're delighted this great friend of mine is to be one of us to-day.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Well, to please you, my dear, of course, I----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Yes?

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

I am delighted.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Ah!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

[To himself.] I see--I see the change in my wife that Dora spoke of.

[PROBYN enters with cards on a salver. At the same moment the DOWAGER enters and looks out of the window.]

DOWAGER.

[To herself.] They are punctual!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

[Looking at the cards.] Lady Macphail and Sir Colin. Not at home. If ever a woman was out I am.

DOWAGER.

[To PROBYN.] Stop! [To LADY TWOMBLEY.] Kate, what are you doing? This visit is planned by me!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Why?

DOWAGER.

I have a motive.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Oh, Dora!