(First on the stair, five minutes after.) Ghastly things! Truly, aren't they perfectly appalling?

THE VERGER

Oh, it's wax, you know, isn't it? We think them uncommonly precious. So ancient, ma'am. Carried at their own funerals, and dressed in their own clothes. King Charles the Second, this is: he's the oldest genuine one of those we show.

MRS. WETHERELL

Can it be possible that this lace all black with age, this beautiful lace—? Yes, it is point! (Hangs enraptured.)

WETHERELL

The head is surprisingly fine, for anything of the half-spook half-dolly order. You say it was modelled on the death-mask?

CLAY

Yes; you have seen it in the Museum.

WETHERELL