A bed-room in the country-house; autumnal sunshine filters in through closed blinds. SHE lies on a couch, apparently asleep, dressed in a white woolen gown. KIKI-THE-DEMURE makes his toilet on a narrow console-table. TOBY-DOG, on the carpet, in a sphinx-like attitude, watches HER and at the same time, is attentive to the words of his master, who is leaving the room on tip-toe.
HE, (in a very low voice to the two animals)
Sh! Don't wake her. Be good. I'm going downstairs, to write.
(He closes the door noiselessly after him.)
TOBY-DOG (to KIKI-THE-DEMURE)
What did He say?
KIKI-THE-DEMURE
I don't know. Something vague. Directions, like: stay there, good-by.