Douglas. [Interrupting.] Mr. Wolton has committed suicide.
Mrs. Lorrimer. [Starts and shudders; speaks very rapidly.] Mr.—how awful! What are you going to do? You can't tell the people now. What in the world did the man mean by not waiting till the party was over! If it isn't like you men! Your own comfort before anybody else's.—Well—the only thing is to pretend it hasn't happened at all—make some excuse for Marion and her mother—the guests needn't know anything about it,—and finish the party!
Douglas. Mrs. Lorrimer! Impossible!
Mrs. Lorrimer. It would be sort of uncomfortable for us who know, [She adds sincerely.] —and the poor Woltons, of course,—it is awful for them.
Douglas. I thought if you spoke to Fanshaw and stopped the cotillion and told a few of the guests— [Interrupted.
Mrs. Lorrimer. [Aghast.] What! The truth?
Douglas. No, say Mr. Wolton has been taken suddenly and most dangerously ill—
Mrs. Lorrimer. [To Douglas.] Very well, I'll do what I can.
Douglas. Stop! [Music stops. Douglas goes to doorway into ball-room and draws the heavy portières, shutting out the ball-room. Marion enters.
Marion. [To Douglas, who stays at curtains.] They are going?