[ Under their breath.] Miss Dyott! Miss Dyott! [They quickly disappear. Peggy remains, hastily concealing the letter. Miss Dyott enters. She is a good-looking, dark woman of dignified presence and rigid demeanour, her dress and manner being those of the typical schoolmistress.] Is that Miss Hesslerigge?

PEGGY.

[Demurely.] Yes, Miss Dyott.

MISS DYOTT.

How have the young ladies been employing themselves?

PEGGY.

I have been reading aloud to them, Miss Dyott.

MISS DYOTT.

Is Mr. Que———is my husband down yet?

PEGGY.