Mrs. Upjohn and Jimmie retreat precipitately to the bedroom door. They open the door and then, standing in the doorway, listen intently.
Jimmie.
Disappearing. Ah——!
Mrs. Upjohn.
Partially disappearing. Ah—! Only her head visible, speaking to Lily in a hoarse whisper. Mother’s ’ere, dearie.
The head is withdrawn and the door softly closed. After a pause, Gladys enters at the other door followed by Jeyes and Farncombe. The men are carrying their hats and canes. Gladys retires, closing the door, and Jeyes comes to Lily and shakes hands with her.
Jeyes.
To Lily, gently. How are you to-day, Lil? Very fagged?
Lily.
Almost inaudibly. I am a little. Jeyes turns from her, to lay his hat and cane upon the box-ottoman, and then Farncombe, who has hung back, advances hesitatingly to the further side of the centre table and bows to Lily. She rises and, avoiding his eyes, gives him a limp hand across the table. How d’ye do? To Jeyes who, having got rid of his hat and cane, moves away from the ottoman. Sit down, won’t you? She resumes her seat upon the settee and Jeyes, with a nod, sits in the arm-chair by the centre table. Farncombe remains standing and again she addresses him without meeting his eyes. And you?