(Joyce re-enters, crosses to chair L.C., takes coat and exits up stairs.)
Sylvia. It's all quite clear when you think it out.
Bobbie (C.). We've all got to wash and make ourselves look clean and sweet for Uncle Daniel. Your collar's filthy; you'd better go and change it quickly. He may be here at any minute.
Sylvia. Turn on the lights, Bobbie—and do let's hurry.
(Bobbie turns up the lights and goes upstairs followed by Oliver.
Evangeline goes up slowly after them.)
Oliver. What a muddle! What a muddle! (As he crosses to stairs.)
Evangeline (following him). What a muddle! What a muddle! (Turns on stairs.) Shall I put on my emerald green tea gown? (To Sylvia.)
Sylvia. No, dear; it's ever so much too old for you.
Evangeline (piqued). I don't think it's at all too old for me. I shall certainly put it on.
(She disappears upstairs. Sylvia is left alone. Suddenly there comes a loud peal at the front door bell. Sylvia sees some half-made crêpe-de-chine underclothes on form, takes them, hides them under cushions on window seat L. Draws curtains to window L., then L.C. as enter Griggs, followed by Uncle Daniel in an opulent-looking fur coat—he is a tall, stoutish man of about forty-five. Sylvia shrinks back by stairs.)