alice. [soothingly.] Didn't you expect Hugh back to dinner?
beatrice. Not specially. . He went to rout out some things from his studio. He'll come back in a filthy mess.
alice. Now if you listen . . Booth doesn't enjoy making a fuss by himself . . you'll hear him rout out Honor.
They listen. But what happens is that booth appears at the door, billiard cue in hand, and says solemnly . .
major booth voysey. Edward, I wish you'd come and have a look at this ventilator, like a good fellow.
Then he turns and goes again, obviously with the weight of an important matter on his shoulders. With the ghost of a smile edward gets up and follows him.
alice. If I belonged to this family I should hate Booth.
With which comment she joins beatrice at the fireplace.
beatrice. A good day's shopping?