ERNEST [he is in a slough of doubt and terror]. L—ladies?
FANNY. Yes. Please try to understand the English language. Has a party of ladies called here this afternoon?
ERNEST. There have been some ladies. They—we—
FANNY. Where are they?
ERNEST. They—I—
FANNY. Send Bennet up to me. Instantly, please.
Ernest, only too glad to be off, stumbles out.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. My dear—
FANNY. You’ll take some more tea, won’t you? Do you mind, Doctor, passing Miss Wetherell’s cup? And the other one. Thank you. And will you pass them the biscuits? You see, I am doing all I can on your behalf. [She is talking and laughing—a little hysterically—for the purpose of filling time.] Tea and hot cake—could anything be worse for them?
DR. FREEMANTLE. Well, tea, you know—