Well, if we’re ever going to see that ancient jewelry before we’re as old as it is, I suppose we’d better try and find it.
Mrs. Morrow
But I’ll have to tell Jim I came especially to see his beast: he’ll want to know what it looks like, the poor dear!
(Elizabeth Livingston enters. She is a woman of such an indefinite age that she must be past her early thirties. Handsome, well-groomed and yet a bit hectic, her secret is that she is a born intriguanté and likes to see men feverish.
She sees Hood: he sees her: the two women catch this exchange of glances, though Hood instantly resumes reading and Bess goes quickly to the case opposite not to betray she is there to meet Hood.
The two women exchange significant glances. Hood looks up and catches Mrs. Morrow eyeing him through her lorgnette. He rises in question.)
Mrs. Morrow
(To cover it)
I beg pardon. Do you happen to know where they keep the ancient jewelry?