Mrs. Lloyd-Evans: One hardly likes to put things into words—but your Phyllis is a young girl, after all, and I always feel there ought to be something sacred about a young girl.
Mrs. Ballantyne: I had to pretend to Phyllis that you wanted to speak about some very dull question of finance. It was deceiving her, perhaps, but I do so agree with you about how one ought to treat young girls as something sacred, as you say. So I told her the whole thing was going to be very formal, and only members of the actual Committee allowed to be present. I’m afraid it was rather in the nature of a pious fraud.
(They all laugh, and draw slightly closer together.)
Mrs. Lloyd-Evans: Before we begin, I should like to say that this must all be in absolute confidence.
Mrs. Ballantyne (looking at Miss Miller): Excuse me a moment. (She whispers to Mrs. Lloyd-Evans. The other ladies try to hear what is said, and at the same time to look as though they were doing nothing of the sort.)
Mrs. Lloyd-Evans (aloud): I am sure Miss Miller will be discreet. Charity sometimes forces one to face very painful things, and one must be brave and hear about various tragedies that one would far prefer never to mention at all. (Pause.) One hardly knows how to word certain things. (Pause.)
Mrs. Ballantyne: Really, if it’s anything of that sort, I think we ought to ask Miss Miller to leave us. (Aside): she’s only a girl.
Mrs. Akers (eagerly): That sort? What sort?
Mrs. Ballantyne: Well, you know what I mean. But I’m sure I hope I’m mistaken.
Mrs. Lloyd-Evans: I’m afraid you’re not, Mrs. Ballantyne.