Cynthia. Almost!
Vida. [Using the stock phrase as a matter of course, and reviving rapidly.] Where am I? [John glances at Cynthia sharply.] Oh, the bride! I beg every one's pardon. Cynthia, at a crisis like this, I simply couldn't stay away from Philip!
Cynthia. Stay away from Philip? [John and Cynthia exchange glances.
Vida. Your arm, Jack; and lead me where there is air.
John and Vida go into the further room. The organ stops. Sir Wilfrid and Cynthia are practically alone in the room. John and Vida are barely within sight. He is first seen to take her fan and give her air; then to pick up a book and read to her.
Sir Wilfrid. I've come back.
Cynthia. [To Sir Wilfrid.] Asks for air and goes to the greenhouse. [Cynthia crosses the room and Sir Wilfrid offers her a seat.] I know why you are here. It's that intoxicating little whim you suppose me to have for you. My regrets! But the whim's gone flat! Yes, yes, my gasoline days are over. I'm going to be garaged for good. However, I'm glad you're here; you take the edge off—
Sir Wilfrid. Mr. Phillimore?
Cynthia. [Sharply.] No, Karslake. I'm just waiting to say the words [Thomas comes in unnoticed.] "love, honour and obey" to Phillimore— [Looking back.] and at Karslake! [Seeing Thomas.] What is it? Mr. Phillimore?
Thomas. Mr. Phillimore will be down in a few minutes, ma'am. He's very sorry, ma'am [Lowering his voice and coming nearer to Cynthia, mindful of the respectabilities], but there's a button off his waistcoat.