MRS. L. Come, ladies! by-the-bye, I mustn’t forget your fans and gloves—this way! you’ll find us in the ball room in less than five minutes, Mr. Woodcock, this way.
Exeunt MRS. LARKINGS, MRS. CARVER, and MRS. WOODCOCK at door, C. to L.—door closed.
WOOD. That attempt of mine upon Mrs. Woodcock’s coronet was a contemptible failure. (yawning) I wonder if I shall ever have a good night’s rest again! Never mind, I’ll make up for it when I get back to Stow-on-the-Wold—if ever I do get back; I won’t get up for a month! I believe Mrs. Woodcock would go back if it wasn’t for Carver. I wish somebody would marry Carver! I’ll give any man a thousand pounds if he’ll marry—and after all, Carver’s not absolutely repulsive—and I’m sure there’s plenty of her for the money.
Enter SWANSDOWN in evening dress at C. from L.
SWANS. (going to door R., and taking ticket out of his pocket) Ticket No. 37. (MAID appears, takes ticket, and disappears)
WOOD. Why, that’s Swansdown! he’s actually giving up his ticket!
SWANS. (seeing WOODCOCK) Ah, Woodcock! how d’ye do? (receiving a hat and cloak from MAID, and coming forward putting them on) That’ll do! Good night, Woodcock! (crosses to L.)
WOOD. Stop a bit! you don’t mean to say you’re going home, Swansdown?
SWANS. Of course I am! I ought to have been in bed two hours ago. (yawning)