Mrs. Lawty. You see, Betty dear, Mrs. Pickering told Mrs. Romney, who told me that——
Mrs. Romney. I didn't! Nothing of the sort, Betty! It was you yourself, Mrs. Lawty, who told Mrs. Pickering, who told——
Mrs. Pickering. Me? I had nothing at all to do with it ... nothing at all. I only know that Mrs. Lawer said——
Mrs. Lawer. I said? I said nothing. It was Mrs. Lawty, who told Mrs. Pickering, who told Mrs. Romney—oh, dear me, I mean——
Mrs. Romney. It's a damn lie!
Ladies. (They all gasp for breath; all begin to talk at once) I heard that Doctor Hunter—You told me that he treated his wife shamefully—No, I said—Flowers, he sent her flowers every morning—You told Mrs. Pickering that he was a conversationalist—She said a revolutionist—I said—You said—And then she said—Anyway, I do not believe he is a safe person. But very good looking, my dear. Etc.
Betty. Oh, dear ... what is it all about?
Mrs. Romney. You, my dear, you.
Betty. Me?
Mrs. Romney. These ladies said that you——