(As Lady John smiles and turns to her papers.)
Forgive me, I know you're not interested in politics qua politics. But this concerns Geoffrey Stonor.
Lady John. And you count on my being interested in him like all the rest of my sex.
Farn. (leans forward). Lady John, I've heard the news.
Lady John. What news?
Farn. That your little niece—the Scotch heiress—is going to become Mrs. Geoffrey Stonor.
Lady John. Who told you that?
Farn. Please don't mind my knowing.
Lady John (visibly perturbed). She had set her heart upon having a few days with just her family in the secret, before the flood of congratulations breaks loose.
Farn. Oh, that's all right. I always hear things before other people.