CANDIDA. Thank you, Lexy. You know Eugene, don't you?
LEXY. Oh, yes. How do you do, Marchbanks?
MARCHBANKS. Quite well, thanks.
LEXY (to Morell). I've just come from the Guild of St. Matthew. They are in the greatest consternation about your telegram. There's nothing wrong, is there?
CANDIDA. What did you telegraph about, James?
LEXY (to Candida). He was to have spoken for them tonight. They've taken the large hall in Mare Street and spent a lot of money on posters. Morell's telegram was to say he couldn't come. It came on them like a thunderbolt.
CANDIDA (surprized, and beginning to suspect something wrong). Given up an engagement to speak!
BURGESS. First time in his life, I'll bet. Ain' it, Candy?
LEXY (to Morell). They decided to send an urgent telegram to you asking whether you could not change your mind. Have you received it?
MORELL (with restrained impatience). Yes, yes: I got it.