Mrs. Cullingham. Well, you aren't a bit more surprised than I am. [A clock strikes six-thirty.] There goes the half hour, Peter; you must take your powder.

Peter. I beg your pardon, mother; it's the tablet now.

Mrs. Cullingham. Excuse me, dear, I'm so dead tired.

[Sits on the sofa.

Jinny. [To Peter.] Will you have some water?

Peter. No, thank you, I've learned now to take them au naturel, and without much, if any, inconvenience!

[Takes his tablet with still a certain amount of difficulty, and sits Right.

Mrs. Tillman. [To Mrs. Cullingham.] Did you have a bad voyage?

Mrs. Cullingham. No, perfectly beautiful!

Peter. [Reproachfully, and with a final swallow.] Oh, mother!