Lady Twombley.
[Wiping her eyes.] Your aunt mustn’t see me upset. Brooke, don’t think anything more of what I’ve told you. I’ve tumbled into the mud before now, but mud dries to dust and I’ve always managed to shake it off. Dora!
[The Dowager Countess of Drumdurris enters—a portly, rather formidable-looking lady of forty-five or fifty, in Court dress and diamonds.]
Lady Twombley.
Well, Dora, are you tired?
Dowager.
I hope I am never fatigued in doing my duty to my family, Kate. Here is poor Egidia.
[Egidia, Countess of Drumdurris enters—a small, serious girl, with a great deal of presence and dignity, also in Court dress.]
Egidia.
How do you do, Lady Twombley?