Mr Gilbey rushes from the room, distracted.
MRS GILBEY. [unruffled] Where did you buy that white lace? I want some to match a collaret of my own; and I cant get it at Perry and John's.
DORA. Knagg and Pantle's: one and fourpence. It's machine hand-made.
MRS GILBEY. I never give more than one and tuppence. But I suppose youre extravagant by nature. My sister Martha was just like that. Pay anything she was asked.
DORA. Whats tuppence to you, Mrs Bobby, after all?
MRS GILBEY. [correcting her] Mrs Gilbey.
DORA. Of course, Mrs Gilbey. I am silly.
MRS GILBEY. Bobby must have looked funny in your hat. Why did you change hats with him?
DORA. I dont know. One does, you know.
MRS GILBEY. I never did. The things people do! I cant understand them. Bobby never told me he was keeping company with you. His own mother!