Aunt Ida. (Who has been watching him and listening to him) William! (She takes him by the arm and they go up to the card room together.)
(There are now in the card room Grice, Faraday, Steele, Raleigh, Lady Trenchard and Aunt Ida. Aunt Ida is out of sight. Raleigh, Lady Trenchard, Grice and Faraday are playing. Steele is circulating about above table. Tarver goes up in the morning room, sits left of table, and reads a magazine. Celia rises and goes to Phyllis, who meets her below sofa.)
Celia. Phyllis----?
Phyllis. (Eagerly) Oh, Celia, you don't really mind, do you? Just because you can't--I mean, because you don't want to--get married, you won't try to stop Bobby and me, will you?
Celia. (In a hurt tone) Phyllis--dear----
Phyllis. (Relieved) I knew you wouldn't. I told Bobby----!
Celia. And do you mean to say that Mr. Tarver---- (Controlling herself with effort) Phyllis, dear---- You ought to know--by now--there isn't anything I wouldn't do to make my littlest sister happy. (Patting Phyllis on cheek.)
Phyllis. (Carelessly engrossed in her own affairs) Oh, of course, I know that. But, Celia, you're quite mistaken and unjust about poor Bobby.
Celia. (Smiling, rather bitterly) Oh--I hope not, Phyllis. I--can't stand--injustice!
Phyllis. (Kneeling on stool R.C.) But you are! In spite of all his worries and preoccupations about his election, Bobby takes the greatest interest in you, Celia----