Lord Alfred. One must have some occupation nowadays. If I hadn’t my debts I shouldn’t have anything to think about. All the chaps I know are in debt.
Lady Stutfield. But don’t the people to whom you owe the money give you a great, great deal of annoyance?
[Enter Footman.]
Lord Alfred. Oh, no, they write; I don’t.
Lady Stutfield. How very, very strange.
Lady Hunstanton. Ah, here is a letter, Caroline, from dear Mrs. Arbuthnot. She won’t dine. I am so sorry. But she will come in the evening. I am very pleased indeed. She is one of the sweetest of women. Writes a beautiful hand, too, so large, so firm. [Hands letter to Lady Caroline.]
Lady Caroline. [Looking at it.] A little lacking in femininity, Jane. Femininity is the quality I admire most in women.
Lady Hunstanton. [Taking back letter and leaving it on table.] Oh! she is very feminine, Caroline, and so good too. You should hear what the Archdeacon says of her. He regards her as his right hand in the parish. [Footman speaks to her.] In the Yellow Drawing-room. Shall we all go in? Lady Stutfield, shall we go in to tea?
Lady Stutfield. With pleasure, Lady Hunstanton. [They rise and proceed to go off. Sir John offers to carry Lady Stutfield’s cloak.]
Lady Caroline. John! If you would allow your nephew to look after Lady Stutfield’s cloak, you might help me with my workbasket.