Trotter. I don't see where I'm going to come into this classy conversation.
Miss Godesby. You see, Trotty, they brought over piles of clothes from Europe this year, and we want to get hold of them before any one else has a chance—get 'em cheap before they have an idea anybody else'll buy them.
Trotter. Who buy what?
Miss Sillerton. We—buy their winter clothes.
Trotter. For Heaven's sake!
Miss Godesby. Laugh, you silly! I heard the Reed girls planning to come to-morrow. They didn't dare come to-day. Those girls haven't any sand! They're always getting left.
Trotter. You two are Dodo birds!
Miss Godesby. I say, Eleanor, you're such a lobster about prices and Mrs. Hunter's no idiot, we'd better agree on some sort of a signal! Listen! if you like a gown very much, ask the price, then say to me, "My dear, your hat pin is coming out." And if I think it's a bargain, I'll say, "So it is, thank you; won't you put it in for me?" And if I think Mrs. Hunter's trying to stick you, I'll say "No, it isn't; it's always like that."
Miss Sillerton. All right.
[Mrs. Hunter and Clara enter Right. The manner of Miss Sillerton and Miss Godesby changes immediately. They speak with rather subdued voices, in the tone of conventional sympathy which is usually adopted on such occasions. Mrs. Hunter also assumes the manner of a martyr to grief. Clara is casual and hard.