Miss Fairfield. There it is, you see, Rector! She doesn’t care what she says.

Dr. Alliot enters.

Dr. Alliot. [Gravely, holding the door behind him] Margaret, my child— [He sees the others and his voice changes] Hullo, Pumphrey! You here still? Well, well—you’re cutting it fine.

Rector. The service! [He pulls out his watch, stricken.]

Dr. Alliot. I’ll run you down there if you’ll wait a minute. [To Margaret, privately, poking a wise forefinger] What you want, my child, is a good cry and a cup of tea.

Rector. [Coming up to Margaret, stiffly] Goodday, Mrs. Fairfield! You will not—reconsider—?

Margaret. I will not.

Rector. I regret—I regret— [To Miss Fairfield] My dear lady, you have my sympathy. I think I left my hat— [Miss Fairfield escorts him into the hall.]

Dr. Alliot. Hilary’s coming home with me, Margaret. He wants a word with you first. Can you manage that?

Margaret. Of course.