[To Miss Claridge, reprovingly.] Miss Claridge! I don't require you at present.

[Miss Claridge withdraws.

Sophy.

[Going to Miss Limbird.] Miss Limbird, will you oblige me? hot water, please.

[Miss Limbird goes out. At once Sophy gives a signal to Bastling and Muriel, and keeps guard. Bastling and Muriel talk in low, hurried tones.

Bastling.

[On the right of the circular table.] How are you?

Muriel.

[On the other side, giving him her hand across the table.] I don't know. [Withdrawing her hand.] I hate myself!

Bastling.