However, we must contrive, you and I, to pa.s.s one more evening together before the event.

QUEX.

One! many!

FRAYNE.

No, no, I mean a buster, Harry; a regular night of it--

QUEX.

Good lord! go away!

[MRS. EDEN _joins_ LADY OWBRIDGE _as_ FRAYNE _advances to_ MURIEL.

FRAYNE.

[_Taking_ MURIEL'S _hand._] Dear young lady, you are about to become the wife of one of the best. There are not many of us left; we are a dwindling band, Miss Eden--

[_The_ d.u.c.h.eSS _comes to_ QUEX.

d.u.c.h.eSS.

[_To_ QUEX, _softly._] Sincere congratulations. [_He bows stiffly._] At any time, you know, when you return to England--

QUEX.

[_Eyeing her sternly._] Yes?

d.u.c.h.eSS.

After your honeymoon--

QUEX.

Yes?

d.u.c.h.eSS.

Should you feel _ennuye_--

QUEX.

I!

d.u.c.h.eSS.

The air at Burwarton never failed to exhilarate you. So pray do not forget--

QUEX.

[_Indignantly._] d.u.c.h.ess!

d.u.c.h.eSS.

[_Sweetly._] That poor dear Strood would be pleased to see you. [FRAYNE _joins_ LADY OWBRIDGE _and_ MRS. EDEN _as the_ d.u.c.h.eSS _advances to_ MURIEL.] Dear Miss Eden, may your married life be as beautiful, as serene, as my own!

MURIEL.

[_Frankly._] Thank you, d.u.c.h.ess.

LADY OWBRIDGE.

We shall be a happy party at luncheon. Shall we go, d.u.c.h.ess?

Muriel--Henry--[QUEX _joins_ MURIEL. SOPHY _is eyeing_ MURIEL _wistfully._ MISS LIMBIRD _holds the_ portiere _aside, to allow the visitors to pa.s.s out._] Good morning, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

Good morning, my lady.

d.u.c.h.eSS.

Miss Fullgarney--

SOPHY.

Good-bye, your Grace.

[_The_ d.u.c.h.eSS _and_ LADY OWBRIDGE _go out._

FRAYNE.

[_Following them with_ MRS. EDEN.] Good-day, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

Good-day, sir.

MRS. EDEN.

Morning, Sophy.

SOPHY.

Morning, Mrs. Eden.

[FRAYNE _and_ MRS. EDEN _go out._