A MAN'S VOICE.

Pearls before swine.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

I started to say brethren.

(_Laughter_)

A LADY.

(_In the foreground_)

Isn't he just too bright for anything!

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

But now----

A MAN.

(_Joining the group_)

What's up?

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

To come home to the task That brother Egerton lays upon our ears.

We have all of us read stories and seen things.

(_Laughter_)

A VOICE.

But ghosts of trees?

(_General laughter_)

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

That, I admit, is rare.

(_Mrs. Egerton, who, since the ringing of the telephone bell, has shown an increasing anxiety as to the message that has come, unable longer to contain herself, comes hurriedly forward through the people_)

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Don't let us scare you, sister Egerton.

(_Laughter. The people turn just in time to see Governor Braddock, General Chadbourne, and Ralph Ardsley with overcoats on and hats in their hands, stealing across to get out forward right. Mrs. Egerton hurries into the room from which they came_)

RALPH ARDSLEY.

It's nothing.

(_The three go out_)

VOICES.

What's the matter? What's the matter?

PALE LADY.

It's something terrible, I know it is.

LADY IN BLACK.

We always have to pay for our good times.

(_George Egerton and Gladys Egerton come quickly from the conservatory and enter the side room_)

ELDERLY LADY.

I shouldn't wonder if those horrid strikers Were burning the mill.

LADY IN BLACK.

Or may be some one's hurt.

LADY WITH THE CONSPICUOUS COIFFURE.

Provoking, isn't it?

FAT LADY.

What would we better do?

YOUNG MATRON.

(_Calling out_)

Please tell us what's the trouble.

(_A silence_)

PALE LADY.

I shall faint.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.