ACT III.
Scene. The same as that of Act I, but the room has been cleared of superfluous furniture, and arranged for a wedding ceremony. Mrs. Phillimore is reclining on the sofa at the right of the table, Miss Heneage at its left. Sudley is seated at the right of the table. Grace is seated on the sofa. There is a wedding-bell of roses, an arch of orange blossoms, and, girdled by a ribbon of white, an altar of calla lilies. There are cushions of flowers, alcoves of flowers, vases of flowers—in short, flowers everywhere and in profusion and variety. Before the altar are two cushions for the couple to kneel on and, on pedestals, at each side of the arch, are twin candelabra. The hangings are pink and white.
The room, first of all, and its emblems, holds the undivided attention; then slowly engaging it, and in contrast to their gay surroundings, the occupants. About each and everyone of them, hangs a deadly atmosphere of suppressed irritation.
Sudley. [Impatiently.] All very well, my dear Sarah. But you see the hour. Twenty to ten! We have been here since half-past two.
Miss Heneage. You had dinner?
Sudley. I did not come here at two to have dinner at eight, and be kept waiting until ten! And, my dear Sarah, when I ask where the bride is—
Miss Heneage. [With forced composure.] I have told you all I know. Mr. John Karslake came to the house at lunch time, spoke to Philip, and they left the house together.
Grace. Where is Philip?
Mrs. Phillimore. [Feebly, irritated.] I don't wish to be censorious or to express an actual opinion, but I must say it's a bold bride who keeps her future mother-in-law waiting for eight hours. However, I will not venture to— [Mrs. Phillimore reclines again and fades away into silence.
Grace. [Sharply and decisively.] I do! I'm sorry I went to the expense of a silver ice-pitcher.