Lady John. But you won't——
Miss L.—who is there who will resist the temptation to say, "Poor Vida Levering! What a pity she hasn't got a husband and a baby to keep her quiet"? The few who know about me, they'll be equally sure that it's not the larger view of life I've gained—my own poor little story is responsible for my new departure. (Leans forward and looks into Lady John's face.) My best friend, she will be surest of all, that it's a private sense of loss, or, lower yet, a grudge——! But I tell you the only difference between me and thousands of women with husbands and babies is that I'm free to say what I think. They aren't.
Lady John (rising and looking at her watch). I must get back—my poor ill-used guests.
Miss L. (rising). I won't ring. I think you'll find Mr. Stonor downstairs waiting for you.
Lady John (embarrassed). Oh—a—he will have left word about the car in any case.
(Miss Levering has opened the door (C.). Allen Trent is in the act of saying goodbye to Jean in the hall.)
Miss L. Well, Mr. Trent, I didn't expect to see you this evening.
Trent (comes and stands in the doorway). Why not? Have I ever failed?
Miss L. Lady John, this is one of our allies. He is good enough to squire me through the rabble from time to time.