ELSIE. Because Jack's old-fashioned and thinks he ought to speak to father first. He's got a perfectly ridiculous respect for father.
FLORENCE. Father's his employer. We don't think much of father, but I expect there are people who regard him as quite a big man.
ELSIE. That needn't have made Jack a coward. As father's ceased to employ him perhaps he'll get his out-of-date interview over now. (She runs suddenly to window.)
FLORENCE. What's the matter?
ELSIE. I'm sure I heard a ring.
FLORENCE. You've got sharp ears. Do you mean to tell me that in this room you can hear a bell in the kitchen?
ELSIE (opening window). It might be Jack.
FLORENCE (following her). Don't you know whether it is?
ELSIE. I can't see any one.
FLORENCE. But I thought people in your case didn't need to see. Don't you feel his unseen presence in your bones like you feel a thunderstorm?