Annys. Oh, Hake, please, don’t let us be interrupted for anything. If Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers comes, show her up. But nobody else.
Hake. Yes, ma’am.
(Hake goes out.)
St. Herbert. (Continuing.)
It wasn’t the words
That frightened the birds,
’Twas the ’orrible double-entendre.
Lady Mogton. (Who has sat waiting in grim silence.) Have you finished?
St. Herbert. Quite finished.
Lady Mogton. Thank you. (She raps for silence.) You will understand, please, all, that this is a private meeting of the Council. Nothing that transpires is to be allowed to leak out. (There is a murmur.) Silence, please, for Mr. St. Herbert.
St. Herbert. Before we begin, I should like to remind you, ladies, that you are, all of you, persons mentally deficient—
(The door opens. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers enters, announced by Hake. She is a showily-dressed, flamboyant lady.)