(Mr. Reach Haslam goes to door, R., and signals to Gaston to depart. Exit Gaston. Mr. Reach Haslam closes door.)
Cedric. (Aside to Charles.) What the hell's up?
Charles. (Loudly.) Well, Rick——
Mrs. R. Haslam. Charles, what did I tell you before you came in? I'll thank you to go and sit down over there. (Charles obeys.)
Flora. Suppose we all sit down, shall we? Well, what did you tell him before he came in?
Mrs. R. Haslam. (Sits.) Believe me, Flora, I never felt so unequal to a situation in my life.
Cedric. Look here, dad, do you mind telling me in one word what this is all about?
Mrs. R. Haslam. Yes, your father will tell you. The circumstances are exceedingly difficult—in fact, painful. But they have to be faced, and faced with dignity. The various necessary steps must be taken, in their proper order, very carefully. The first step is to inform you and Flora of the facts. Your father will inform you; as the head of the family, and the fount of authority, the statement comes more properly from him. I decided that absolutely as we motored down. (To Mr. Reach Haslam.) Dear——
Mr. R. Haslam. Yes, dear. (To Cedric and Flora.) You know we went straight back to town when you'd left the church. As soon as we had——