A light knock is heard at door, left centre.
Hel. (Sitting up) Mamma?
Voice. Yes, dear.
Hel. (Kissing book and closing it) Good-bye, my poet! (Drops book on couch and goes to door)
Voice, as Helen opens door. I saw your light. (Enter Mrs. Truelord) Forgive me, love. I could not rest. (Helen is closing door) No! Kate is coming.
Mrs. Delormis. (In door) Yes, I ’m here, too, Helen.
Hel. Come in, Cousin Catherine.
(All three advance)
Mrs. Del. Madela had a feminine version of the jim-jams—tea-nerves, you know—so must get us both up.
Hel. (Drawing forward a huge chair for Mrs. Truelord while Mrs. Delormis takes a smaller one) I was not in bed.