Mrs. S. Of course. Now mind you don't forget, and have everything ready, as the party will be here in a minute: and I'll go and put on my best cap.
[Exit.
Polly [stands for a minute with the kettle in her hands, trying to remember]. Let me see ... Oh yes, the tea.
[She puts many spoonfuls of tea into the kettle, and then water, shakes the kettle to see if there's water in it, pours some water into the teapot; then, as she is standing with the kettle in her hand, Mrs. S. comes in quickly with a gorgeous cap on.
Mrs. S. I see them coming across the green! Quick, Polly, put the kettle on, we'll all have tea. [A knock at the door. Mrs. S. goes and opens it.] Good afternoon, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Crabstick!
Mrs. J. [brightly]. Good afternoon to you, I'm sure.
Mrs. B. [composed]. Good afternoon, Mrs. Smiler.
Mrs. C. [coldly]. Afternoon.
Mrs. J. [brightly]. Good afternoon, Mrs. Smiler, and hoping you keep well.
Mrs. S. Yes, thank you. I have my worries, of course, like the rest of us.