Vida. What lady?

Benson. Mrs. Karslake; and she's on the stairs, ma'am.

Vida. Show her in.

Sir Wilfrid has been turning over the roses. On hearing this, he faces about with a long stemmed one in his hand. He subsequently uses it to point his remarks.

Sir Wilfrid. [To Benson, who stops.] One moment! [To Vida.] I say, eh—I'd rather not see her!

Vida. [Very innocently.] But you came here to see her.

Sir Wilfrid. [A little flustered.] I'd rather not. Eh,—I fancied I'd find you and her together—but her— [Coming a step nearer.] findin' me with you looks so dooced intimate,—no one else, d'ye see, I believe she'd—draw conclusions—

Benson. Pardon me, ma'am—but I hear Brooks coming!

Sir Wilfrid. [To Benson.] Hold the door!

Vida. So you don't want her to know—?