Mrs. Lorrimer. [Laughing.] I'm not so mad about being plain, but sincere I would like to be.
Mrs. Wolton. It's your wretched luck in your married life that has made you what you are!
Mrs. Lorrimer. [Sincerely, with much feeling, and almost breaking down.] You're right. It was a case of hardening my heart and laughing in the world's face, or—or having it laugh in mine perhaps.
Mrs. Wolton. What you need now as you did in the beginning is a good husband—like mine was.
Mrs. Lorrimer. Good men don't grow on bushes, and besides, good men don't seem to care about me.
Mrs. Wolton. I know just the man, and I believe he's been in love with you for years, though he may not know it himself! [Mrs. Lorrimer looks at her questioningly. Mrs. Wolton goes to her and, putting her arm around her neck, whispers in her ear.] I want you for a sister-in-law.
Mrs. Lorrimer. [Embarrassed, pleased.] Mrs. Wolton!
Mrs. Wolton. Call me "Laura," and I shall feel as if matters had progressed a little. [Enter Dawson—suddenly and unceremoniously. Both women start slightly and exchange a quick, covert, meaning glance. Rise.
Dawson. Ah, Laura—I attended to that for you at once. Has she come?
Mrs. Wolton. Yes, she's upstairs.