Quaint diggings you have up here. The hanging committee have shied you, though, haven't they? [Seeing Peggy.] I beg your pardon.

QUECKETT.

[Confused.] Oh—ah—yes. I didn't mention it. I have my—my—nieces spending Christmas with me.

MALLORY.

[Bowing to Peggy.] Delighted. [To Queckett.] Did you say niece or nieces?

QUECKETT.

Nieces. [Softly to Peggy, quickly.] How many? I forget.

PEGGY.

[To Queckett.] Three.

QUECKETT.