SWEET. We shall be in plenty of time, ladies.
SHORT. (aside) That’s better—keep to the plural number, it sounds less particular.
SWEET. We shall not be the last to arrive, I dare say. (rings the bell)
Enter STEPHEN, L. C.
Is the coach at the door, Stephen?
STEPH. Yes, sir, I was just coming to tell you as you rung.
SWEET. (aside) I am suffocating!
MRS. SWEET. (to SWEET) My dear, do you still feel disinclined to go?
SWEET. (shouting) No; not at all! (to STEPHEN) Give me my hat! (STEPHEN takes up his hat from the sofa, which he keeps in his hand) Not at all! (aside) If Stephen, now, would but let my hat fall to give me an excuse for going into a passion. (aloud to STEPHEN) What are you doing with my hat, sir?
STEPH. Me, sir; nothing, sir.