Mrs. Lorrimer. I'm a dangerous woman to make that remark to. You'd better be careful, or I might take you literally at your word.
Fletcher. Oh, if you only would! [Pulls lamb's head.
Mrs. Lorrimer. What a charming speech. [She and Fletcher go into ball-room and off. Fletcher makes lamb squeak. Mrs. Wolton, her arms full of a set of gay favours, crosses the ball-room; Douglas sees her and takes a step or two towards her, then waits till she has finished speaking to the girl. Mrs. Wolton turns, and Douglas addresses her.
Douglas. Mrs. Wolton, is Mr. Wolton in the ball-room?
Mrs. Wolton. No, I think he's in the smoking-room.—Aren't you going to dance? [Coming into room.
Douglas. Not just yet—later— [Half bows apologetically. At the same moment, the music swells and the procession of dancers, in couples, dance in five or six couples into the front room, the line curving away to right to suggest that there are very many more couples in the ball-room out of sight. As they dance, they are laughing and talking—the first couple turns, the other couples making bridges under which the first couple goes, and passes into ball-room and off, followed by each couple the same. Music softens. Mrs. Wolton has drawn to one side, when the dancers came in. In this dance, scarfs are used by dancers.
Douglas. Mr. Wolton there?
Mrs. Wolton. [Mildly surprised.] He?
Douglas. I want to see Mr. Wolton very much to-night—now. It is a matter of the greatest importance. [Enter Servant from ball-room.
Mrs. Wolton. Where is Mr. Wolton, Howes?