(Tarver goes R. above sofa. Phyllis goes R. between sofa and fender.)
Aunt Ida. (Rises weakly) Oh--oh--oh--oh--oh--oh! This must be broken to Celia.
Faraday. (Going up and getting his coat and hat from piano stool) Celia already knows.
Phyllis. (Pouting) She and Colonel Vavasour are going to stay home and dine together. (Goes up to Tarver and talks.)
Aunt Ida. (Gasping) Dine together!! And discuss S-S-Smith!! (Celia enters in mourning--black shawl and dress--door R.I. She closes door, comes a few steps on stage and stands with folded hands and downcast eyes. Aunt Ida is now thoroughly bewildered.) Celia, you're in black! (Waves her hand up and down weakly.)
Celia. Yes, dear. I made a mistake when I said I shouldn't allow this news to interfere. I was wrong. Colonel Vavasour has shown me how deeply he was grieved by my neglect of the trappings of distress.
(Note: The bodice of the black dress Celia wears, which is completely hidden by the black shawl, should be of some bright color, to be disclosed in Act III.)
Aunt Ida. (With a long wail) Will somebody pinch me, please? (Sits.)
Tarver. (Coming to foot of sofa and kneeling) Let me do it for you, won't you?
(Martin enters through L.I with army list on tray. Comes to Faraday.)