edward. I won't tell . . and I'm a bachelor.
emily. [solemnly as she takes up her knitting again.] Do you really mean to leave Hugh?
beatrice. [slightly impatient.] Emily, I've said so.
They are joined by alice maitland, who comes in gaily.
alice. What's Booth shouting about in the billiard room?
emily. [pained.] On Christmas Eve, too!
beatrice. Don't you take any interest in my matrimonial affairs?
mrs. voysey shuts up the Nineteenth Century and removes her spectacles.
mrs. voysey. That's a very interesting article. The Chinese Empire must be in a shocking state! Is it ten o'clock yet?