julia. That's satisfactory. I get my own back again. It's the better one.

(Enter Hannah with a telegram on a salver.)

hannah (in a low voice of mystery). A telegram, Ma'am.

(Julia opens it. The contents evidently startle her, but she retains her presence of mind.)

julia. No answer.

(Exit Hannah.)

    julia. Laura, Martha is coming!

laura. Here? Well, I wonder how she has managed that!

(Her sister hands her the telegram, which she reads.)

'Accident. Quite safe. Arriving by the 6.30.' Why, it's after that now!