Mrs. Cloys.

Thank God! [Rising.] Muriel——

[Mrs. Emptage rises; Mrs. Cloys kisses her on both cheeks, then turns away.

Mrs. Emptage.

You will see Theo and her husband in a few minutes. They are staying with me just now. “Weak, giddy mother,” am I, Harriet? My child flies to me in her trouble, nevertheless.

Mrs. Cloys.

[Wiping her eyes.] The dear bishop will be so rejoiced. Not a newspaper has been taken at the Palace this week. [Resuming her seat.] It has hit us hard. How did it all come about?

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

In this way. I——

Mrs. Emptage.