The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Thank you, Lady Filson.

Lady Filson.

[Reading a letter.] Lady Skewes and Mrs. Walter Quebec ... arranging a concert in aid of ... [sighing] tickets, of course!... what tiring women!... [turning the sheet] oh!... may they include me in their list of patronesses?... Princess Cagliari-Tamponi, the Countess of Harrogate, the Viscountess Chepmell, Lady Kathleen Tring ... [laying the letter aside] delighted. [Heaping together the cards and the rest of the letters.] I must answer those myself. [To Miss Tracer.] That's all. [Miss Tracer rises.] Get on with the invitations for July the eighth as quickly as you can.

Miss Tracer.

[Going to the glazed door.] Yes, Lady Filson.

Lady Filson.

[Turning.] Miss Tracer——

Miss Tracer.

[Halting.] Yes, Lady Filson?

Lady Filson.