Perhaps you'd better sound the gong again, Bobbie, he might not have heard it.
(Bobbie crossing in front of table goes to the gong and bangs savagely
on it. Every one stops up their ears.)
Mrs. Dermott. You seem to have taken a dislike to that gong, darling. We must start without him, that's all. Do sit down, Oliver, you're much too big to pace backwards and forwards like that. Pour out the coffee, Sylvia dear, if it's ready.
(Oliver sits on Evangeline's left. Bobbie sits again at the foot of the table. Joyce drops her fork with a loud clatter—every one jumps. Sylvia pours out coffee.)
Evangeline. If you'd endeavour to cultivate a little more repose, Joyce dear, it would be an advantage.
Joyce (truculently). I couldn't help it.
Mrs. Dermott (brightly). Fancy—Fanny Harris is engaged.
Bobbie (gloomily). What fun.
Mrs. Dermott. It may not be fun to you, but it will be most amusing to Mrs. Harris. I do wish Daniel would come in. Where can he be?
Bobbie. No one cares, anyhow.