LADY UTTERWORD. Your husband! That handsome man?
MRS HUSHABYE. Well, why shouldn't my husband be a handsome man?
RANDALL [joining them at the window]. One's husband never is, Ariadne [he sits by Lady Utterword, on her right].
MRS HUSHABYE. One's sister's husband always is, Mr Randall.
LADY UTTERWORD. Don't be vulgar, Randall. And you, Hesione, are just as bad.
Ellie and Hector come in from the garden by the starboard door. Randall rises. Ellie retires into the corner near the pantry. Hector comes forward; and Lady Utterword rises looking her very best.
MRS. HUSHABYE. Hector, this is Addy.
HECTOR [apparently surprised]. Not this lady.
LADY UTTERWORD [smiling]. Why not?
HECTOR [looking at her with a piercing glance of deep but respectful admiration, his moustache bristling]. I thought— [pulling himself together]. I beg your pardon, Lady Utterword. I am extremely glad to welcome you at last under our roof [he offers his hand with grave courtesy].