LORD LOAM (with two hands for his distinguished guest). Aha! ha, ha! younger than any of them, Emily.
LADY BROCKLEHURST. Flatterer. (To LADY MARY.) You seem in high spirits, Mary.
LADY MARY (gaily). I am.
LADY BROCKLEHURST (with a significant glance at LORD BROCKLEHURST). After—
LADY MARY. I—I mean. The fact is—
(Again that disconcerting glance between the Countess and her son.)
LORD LOAM (humorously). She hears wedding bells, Emily, ha, ha!
LADY BROCKLEHURST (coldly). Do you, Mary? Can’t say I do; but I’m hard of hearing.
LADY MARY (instantly her match). If you don’t, Lady Brocklehurst, I’m sure I don’t.
LORD LOAM (nervously). Tut, tut. Seen our curios from the island, Emily; I should like you to examine them.