There’s no one here. I suppose I should answer the door?
FANNY (outside)
By all means, mother.
[Mrs. Felix goes to the garden door. Fanny trails in after her. Mrs. Felix opens garden door for Professor Vanillity.
VANILLITY (who comes in excitedly)
I must see Addington, Mrs. Felix! At once! At once—
MRS. FELIX (pointing to the laboratory)
He’s in there.
VANILLITY
I must interrupt him once at least—at least once. (He knocks at the laboratory door—no response—knocks again—no response)