Mrs Plant. In the basement, sir.
[Merton goes out hastily and angrily. Mrs Plant alone, listens. Shakes her head. A ring at the door. Mrs Plant goes out to open, leaving door open. Then comes in again.]
[Mrs Plant shows in Lady Gairloch and her daughter].
Lady Gairloch [smiling, to Mrs Plant]. We've come very early, I fear. Will you tell Dr Merton that we are leaving for Scotland to-day instead of to-morrow, and we have come in on our way to King's Cross as I wanted to explain something to him about his journey when he comes to us next week? Is he very busy? I won't keep him a moment.
Mrs Plant. He will be here directly, my lady. He's just speaking to someone.
Lady Gairloch. Oh, don't disturb him. We have a few minutes to spare. We are a little earlier than I thought.
Mrs Plant. Thank you, my lady. [She goes out].
Lady Gairloch. Betty!… I'm rather agitated—I can't help it.
Betty [smiling]. About our coming so early?
Lady Gairloch. About the whole thing.