Helen
[to Ernest]
These old-fashioned women are utterly shameless. After a decent interval, they will all with one accord make excuses to leave us here alone, so that I can—[she comes nearer] ensnare you! [Ernest laughs nervously.] Lucy is going to say—[imitates Lucy's sweet tones]: "If you'll excuse me, I always take forty winks before dressing." Dressing is the hardest work Lucy has to do. Cousin Theodore will find that he must write to his wife, and Uncle Everett will feel a yearning for the billiard room. [Ernest is nodding and chuckling.] They're hanging on longer than usual to-day, and I simply must have a talk with you.
Ernest
Our shop-talk would scandalize 'em!
Helen
Wait, I'll get rid of them!
[She sits and begins to make tea.
Ernest
I've had my tea, thanks.