[Exit ALMERIC rapidly up left.]

LADY CREECH

[in a deep and gloomy voice]

The Church Register!

[HAWCASTLE gives her a paper.]

[HORACE takes the London Mail.]

[HAWCASTLE takes the Times.][pg 044]

[ETHEL and MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY walk back to the terrace railing, chatting. The others seat themselves about the tea-tables to read.]

HORACE

[unfolding his paper, speaks crossly to MARIANO]