ENGLAND [cutting in]. ’Ope we ’aven’t upset you, dear. [She is bustling them all up.]
FANNY. Not at all. [She is kissing the girls.] It’s been so good to see you all again.
ENGLAND. ’Urry up, girls, there’s dears. [To Fanny] Good-bye, dear. [Kissing her.] We do miss yer.
FANNY. I’m glad you do.
ENGLAND. Oh, it ain’t the same show. [The others are crowding out of the door. She and Fanny are quite apart.] No chance of your coming back to it, I suppose? [A moment.] Well, there, you never know, do yer? Good-bye, dear. [Kisses her again.]
FANNY. Good-bye! [She stands watching them out. Bennet goes down with them. Ernest is busy collecting debris. Jane and Honoria stand one each side of the table, rigid, with set faces. After a moment Fanny goes to the open window. The voices of the girls below, crowding into the van, come up into the room. She calls down to them.] Good-bye. You’ve plenty of time. What? Yes, of course. [Laughs.] All right. Good-bye. [She turns, comes slowly back. She looks at Jane and Honoria, where they stand rigid. Honoria makes a movement with her shoulders—takes a step towards the door.] Honoria! [Honoria stops—slowly turns.] You can take away these glasses. Jane will help you.
Bennet has reappeared.
HONORIA. It’s not my place—
FANNY. Your place is to obey my orders.
BENNET [his coolness seems to have deserted him. His voice is trembling]. Obey her ladyship’s orders, both of you. Leave the rest to me. [Honoria and Jane busy themselves, with Ernest setting the room to rights.] May I speak with your ladyship?