Very sorry, Mrs. Telfer.

Mrs. Telfer.

[Taking her place, between Arthur and Mrs. Mossop—gloomily.] A strange proceeding.

Rose.

Rehearsal was over so late. [To Telfer.] You didn't get to the last act till a quarter to one, did you?

Avonia.

[Taking off her hat and flinging it across the table to Colpoys.] Gus! catch! Put it on the sofa, there's a dear boy. [Colpoys perches the hat upon his head, and behaves in a ridiculous, mincing way. Ablett is again convulsed with laughter. Some of the others are amused also, but more moderately.] Take that off, Gus! Mr. Colpoys, you just take my hat off! [Colpoys rises, imitating the manners of a woman, and deposits the hat on the sofa.]

Ablett.

Ho, ho, ho! oh, don't Mr. Colpoys! oh, don't, sir!

[Colpoys returns to the table.]