All Americans have those little pets on them. In the backwoods I have had to have it cocked on to my congregation so as to hold their attention!
(Meanwhile Loveday is quite quietly and unobtrusively looking round the corner, front right, where Varlie had been standing before his arrest. The coffee comes in, the Minister drinks it, the Duchess returns from the curtains and the Maid takes up her place there again.)
Minister.
This is very painful, my dear, very painful. I’m sure I don’t know what to think.
Duchess.
We must wait and see.
Varlie.
Waal, Duchess, in a time like the present I quite understand your young girls getting hysterical. Don’t let my position make you feel bad. I bear no malice. It is my duty and my pleasure to turn the other cheek!
(Loveday stands gazing curiously at the palm, down right, near where Varlie was. The smooth green moss is broken through in one place, and rough earth shows.)
Smithers.