Vernon
How pale you are, my child! Let me feel your pulse.
The General (to Gertrude)
And you also seem to be very much excited.
Gertrude There was a joke between us and we were indulging in a laugh; weren't we, Pauline? You were laughing, my pet?
Pauline
Yes, papa. Dear mamma and I were in a gale of laughter.
Vernon (in a low voice to Pauline)
That's a pretty big lie!
The General
Didn't you hear us knocking?
Pauline
We heard quite plainly, papa; but we didn't know it was you.
The General (in a low voice to Vernon)
They seem to be leagued against me. (Aloud) But what was it all about?
Gertrude Dear husband, you always want to know everything! We were speaking for the moment about the tenants, about some acquaintance of ours. But let me go and ring for tea.
The General
But tell me all about it?