JUDGE. [Going to the fire and standing with his back to it.] I'm afraid we'll be shockingly late, Alice.
MRS. WESTERN. [Firmly.] I don't go without my bracelet.
[She goes to the table, and proceeds to shift the cups and glasses.
MRS. BANKET. [Moving to the other side of the table, and doing the same.] Quite right, dear—I wouldn't.
[They all search, except the JUDGE, who shrugs his shoulders placidly, then takes a cigarette from his case, and lights it. The three servants still are grovelling on the floor.
MRS. WESTERN. I know I had it while I was drinking my coffee—
JUDGE. My experience is, one should never look for things. They find themselves.
MRS. WESTERN. [Shortly.] Nonsense.
JUDGE. A fact. Or at least one should pretend to be looking for something else. My glasses now. When I lose them I declare loudly I can't find my cigar-case. That disheartens the glasses—they return at once.
MRS. BANKET. [Reproachfully.] Don't be so irritating, Tom!