(Phyllis and Tarver enter, Tarver in evening dress with his hat and overcoat and atlas. Phyllis with her wraps. Tarver goes to head of table R. and studies his atlas. Phyllis sits on fender.)
Aunt Ida. (Looking about and fastening her gloves) Well, Celia is not down yet.
Madge. Celia isn't coming.
Aunt Ida. What!
(Smith comes down stage to L. of Aunt Ida.)
Faraday. (Coming down L.C. with Smith) Ida, this is Colonel Vavasour. My sister-in-law, Mrs. Chisholm Faraday. (To Smith) Who has been, I may say, more than a mother to our poor Celia through all this, more than a mother.
Smith. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. (Shakes her warmly by the hand.) Friends of Miss Faraday have a claim upon me which can never be obliterated from my mind.
Aunt Ida. (Briskly) I am sure it is very pleasant to know that. But why?
(Smith C., Aunt Ida to his right.)
Faraday. Colonel Vavasour has just returned from Somaliland.