DAN (over-casual): What was that at the door?

MRS. BRAMSON: My niece. Gone for the night, if you please.

DAN: Gone … for the night? (He stares before him.)

MRS. BRAMSON: Would you believe it? Says she's frightened….

A pause.

Come along with the shawl, dear. I'm freezing….

DAN (with a laugh, putting the shawl round her): Don't know what's up with me—

He goes to the table and looks at a newspaper. MRS. TERENCE comes in from the kitchen, her coat on.

MRS. TERENCE: Well, I must go on me way rejoicin'.

MRS. BRAMSON: Everybody seems to be going. What is all this?