Scene. The library at the Woltons. A handsomely and luxuriously furnished room, somewhat disarranged by the preparations for the wedding. It is here that the wedding presents are displayed; along the two sides and partly across the end are placed long and narrow improvised tables, covered with all sorts of gifts—silver, glass, &c. &c. There are five piano lamps grouped together at the upper corner of table. There are faded flowers about.
Time. The following day.
Discovered. Mrs. Lorrimer at left of table, a maid and man servant are busy wrapping up and addressing some of the wedding presents.
Mrs. Lorrimer. [Who has just finished writing an address on a parcel.] This is one to go by express, Howes.
Servant. [Taking it.] Yes, m'm. [Placing it to one side where are others tied up and addressed.] Beg pardon, m'm, but it's a great pity Miss Marion should lose a husband and all the wedding presents as well.
Mrs. Lorrimer. Oh, it isn't always a pity, Howes, to lose a husband—it's very often a very good thing. [Maid gives Mrs. Lorrimer another parcel to address, which she does—copying from a card which the maid gives her with the parcel. Maid exits.
Servant. [Giving Mrs. Lorrimer a visiting card.] This is the address, m'm—still, if you'll excuse me for saying so, Mrs. Lorrimer—if it was me, I'd keep the presents just by way of a kind of consolation. [She and the Servant tie up another box.
Mrs. Lorrimer. [Addressing.] Ah, but you see their associations would be painful. I have had two husbands and I have each time moved out of the house I occupied with each on the day after losing him.
Servant. You know what trouble is, m'm, to have lost two husbands. Grippe, m'm? [Giving her another parcel. Howes to table up stage.
Mrs. Lorrimer. Not exactly. Another kind of epidemic. The law, Howes. [Howes gives parcel. Mrs. Lorrimer addresses it from a visiting card. Enter Maid with Ethel and Fanshaw.