Celia. Oh, very well, then, Martin. Dinner in the morning room. (Martin offers card to Celia.) I haven't time to see anyone now. (Crosses R. to door) Who is it?
Martin. Colonel James Nugent Vavasour. He was sure that you would consent to see him, Miss, when you saw this card.
Celia. Vavasour? Vavasour? It's some election business, of course. Phyllis, it's your affair, after all. Attend to it for me, won't you?
Phyllis. Very well. (Celia exits R. Martin brings the card over to Phyllis. Phyllis takes card, reads it and utters a cry) Colonel Smith! Then, then--then? (Bewildered) Then he is not dead. It's a mistake. (Runs to door R. as if to recall Celia.)
Martin. It is Colonel Vavasour who has called, Miss. (Goes up to tea-table, gets tray and dishes.)
Phyllis. But it's Colonel Smith's card. (Turns card over suddenly) Oh, it is a message. (Goes to L. of table R., sits and turns up the lamp.) Written in a failing hand. (Reads) "Good-bye. Be kind to my friend, James Nugent Vavasour." (To Martin, who has by now collected the dishes on tray and is below table R.) Show Colonel Vavasour in and then ask Miss Faraday to come down as quickly as she can. Just say that it really is important.
Martin. Yes, Miss.
(Phyllis comes L.C. quickly and arranges her hair, etc. Martin re-enters, announcing Colonel Vavasour. Colonel Smith enters and stands. Martin closes door quietly, goes up L., crosses it back, turns on lamp on piano and exits through morning room.)
Smith. (Bowing) I am speaking to Miss Celia Faraday?
Phyllis. (Holding card in her hand) Oh, no. I'm her much younger sister, but I have sent for her. Won't you sit down, Colonel Vavasour? (Sits R. of L. table. Smith sits L.) The card which you sent me proves that your errand is a sad one. I want to ask you to be very gentle in delivering your message to Celia. The news of Colonel Smith's death was first conveyed to her in to-day's "Times."