[With a quick look towards the window.] Oh, yes! hush! [Clapping her hand to her mouth.] Oh, what would Valma say if he knew I'd talked in this style!
[The door-gong sounds.
Muriel
Here they are.
Sophy.
[As they hastily return to their chairs.] Darling, I was only thinking of you and the poor Captain. [With another glance towards the window.] Phew! if my Valma knew!
[They resume their seats, and the manicuring is continued.
Miss Limbird enters, preceding Lord Quex and the Countess of Owbridge, Mrs. Jack Eden and Frayne. Miss Moon follows. Lady Owbridge is a very old lady in a mouse-coloured wig, with a pale, anxious face, watery eyes, and no eyebrows. Mrs. Eden is an ultra-fashionably-dressed woman of about thirty, shrill and maniéré.
Quex.
[To Lady Owbridge, who is upon his arm.] Yes, a curious phase of modern life. Many people come to these places for rest.