HORNBLOWER. [Seeing them unmoved] I will. I don't believe a word of it.
MRS. H. I hope you are right.
[HORNBLOWER goes out by the French window, DAWKER slips to the door Right, opens it, and speaks to those within. MRS. HILLCRIST stands moistening her lips, and passim her handkerchief over them. HORNBLOWER returns, preceding CHLOE, strung up to hardness and defiance.]
HORNBLOWER. Now then, let's have this impudent story torn to rags.
CHLOE. What story?
HORNBLOWER. That you, my dear, were a woman—it's too shockin—I don't know how to tell ye——
CHLOE. Go on!
HORNBLOWER. Were a woman that went with men, to get them their divorce.
CHLOE. Who says that?
HORNBLOWER. That lady [Sneering] there, and her bull-terrier here.