MRS. WILMOT (rising). I think we'd best be going. Mrs. Metherell. No. It's all right.

MRS. NORBURY (rising and tying bonnet-strings), I can see we're not wanted. We'll be seeing you again before you flit to Birchester.

MRS. METHERELL (by door with them). Many a time. We don't go yet. (Opening door.)

MRS. WILMOT. Good-bye.

MRS. METHERELL. Good-bye.

(Exeunt Mrs. Wilmot and Mrs. Norbury. Mrs. Metherell closes door and turns to Elsie.)

Now, what is it? If it's bad news I can stand it.

ELSIE. Is Jack's bed prepared?

MRS. METHERELL (righteously indignant). Jack's bed was made at eight o'clock this morning. Do you take me for a slut?

ELSIE. Oh yes, but he'll need special nursing, and the room—which is his room? (Looking at doors left and right.)