Salome, child, you and I will drive into Durnstone—we may be in time to bring your Aunt over. My hat, Sheba! Quick! [The clang of the gate bell is heard in the distance.] The bell! [Looking out of window.] No—yes—it can’t be! [Speaking in an altered voice.] Children! I wonder if this is your Aunt Georgiana?

[Blore appears with a half-frightened, surprised look.

Blore.

Mrs. Tidman.

Georgiana Tidman enters. She is a jovial, noisy woman, very “horsey” in manners and appearance, and dressed in pronounced masculine style, with billy cock hat and coaching coat. The girls cling to each other; The Dean recoils.

Georgiana.

Well, Gus, my boy, how are you?

The Dean.

[Shocked.] Georgiana!

Georgiana.