Clara. (From the door) It's Mrs. Lawty, ma'am.
Mrs. Warren. Oh, the dear soul! Have her come right in—right in, Clara.
(Clara goes out. Mrs. Lawty enters.)
Mrs. Lawty. Good afternoon—good afternoon, Mrs. Warren.
Mrs. Warren. Good afternoon, my dear. Do sit down, Mrs. Lawty—do sit down.
Mrs. Lawty. Oh, thank you. I have just dropped in for a moment. I am on my way to the meeting of the "Helping Hand Society," and as I had to pass this way I just came in to see how you were. I hope I am not interrupting any work you may be doing, my dear.
Mrs. Warren. Oh, dear, no. I was just giving my maid a little lecture ... on gossip.
Mrs. Lawty. Gossip?
Mrs. Warren. It is so malicious.