(Grice rises and turns R. and starts up stage. The Times falls out from his back. There is general consternation.)
Celia. (Seeing Times on floor) Why, there it is, isn't it?
Faraday. (In mock, great surprise) God bless my soul! So it is.
(Tarver sinks down on fender.)
Grice. (Coming down stage and picking up paper) Now, how did that get there?
Celia. May I see it, if everyone has quite finished? (Holds out hand for paper. Grice reluctantly gives paper to her. She opens it and reads. All watch her, strained and anxiously. Cheerfully) Births, marriages, deaths. I always look first at that column, you know. (After a pause. Laughing a little) How very amusing!
Omnes. Amusing? Celia!! Great Scott! God bless my soul!
Celia. (Reading) "On October the 11th----"
Evelyn. (Almost with a sob) Eleventh!
Celia. "Elsie Hardiman to Alfred Bryce." (All give tremendous sigh of relief. Looking up) Why didn't somebody tell me Elsie Hardiman was engaged?