Mrs. Phillimore. [With fatigued voice and manner as she rises.] I am going to my room to rest awhile.
[She trails slowly from the room.
Miss Heneage. [To Sudley.] Oh, William, one moment—I entirely forgot! I've a most important social question to ask you! [She accompanies him slowly to the door.] in regard to the announcements of the wedding—who they shall be sent to and who not. For instance—the Dudleys— [Deep in their talk, Sudley and Miss Heneage pass out together.
Cynthia. [From the sofa.] So that's Cousin William?
Grace. [From the tea-table.] Don't you like him?
Cynthia. [Calmly sarcastic.] Like him? I love him. He's so generous. He couldn't have received me with more warmth if I'd been a mulatto.
Thomas comes in, preceded by Phillimore. Philip Phillimore is a self-centered, short-tempered, imperious member of the respectable fashionables of New York. He is well and solidly dressed, and in manner and speech evidently a man of family. He is accustomed to being listened to in his home circle and from the bench, and it is practically impossible for him to believe that he can make a mistake.
Grace. [Outraged.] Really you know— [Cynthia moves to the table.] Philip!
Philip nods to Grace absent-mindedly. He is in his working suit and looks tired. He walks into the room silently; goes over to the tea-table, bends over and kisses Cynthia on the forehead. Goes to his chair, which Thomas has moved to suit him. He sits, and sighs with satisfaction.
Philip. [As if exhausted by brain work.] Ah, Grace! [Grace immediately sails out of the room.] Well, my dear, I thought I should never extricate myself from the court-room. You look very debonnair!