Mrs. Eden.

Oh, do let us have him into the drawing-room after dinner! I hear he is simply charming.

Lady Owbridge.

Charming! [Rising.] What are our ladies coming to! Dear, dear me! in my day such follies and superstitions were entirely restricted to the kitchen.

[Muriel joins the Duchess. Quex is dutifully looking into the book of sermons. The servant returns, followed by Sophy, and then retires; Sophy comes forward, beamingly. She is prettily dressed, but in sober colours.

Sophy.

[To Lady Owbridge.] Here I am, my lady. I'm having such a good time!

Lady Owbridge.

That's right.

Sophy.