Phoebe. Mamma’s instructions. Can’t tell you anything more except that I gather the matter’s important, and is to be kept secret.

Annys. Mamma isn’t here, is she?

Phoebe. (Shakes her head.) Reaches St. Pancras at two-forty. (Looks at her watch.) Train’s late, I expect.

(Hake has entered.)

Annys. (She hands Hake her hat and coat.) Have something ready in case Lady Mogton hasn’t lunched. Is your master in?

Hake. A messenger came for him soon after you left, ma’am. I was to tell you he would most likely be dining at the House.

Annys. Thank you.

(Hake goes out.)

Annys. (To Elizabeth.) I so want you to meet Geoffrey. He’ll alter your opinion of men.

Elizabeth. My opinion of men has been altered once or twice—each time for the worse.