SCENE

Drawing-room at Hunstanton, after dinner, lamps lit. Door L.C. Door R.C.

[Ladies seated on sofas.]

Mrs. Allonby. What a comfort it is to have got rid of the men for a little!

Lady Stutfield. Yes; men persecute us dreadfully, don’t they?

Mrs. Allonby. Persecute us? I wish they did.

Lady Hunstanton. My dear!

Mrs. Allonby. The annoying thing is that the wretches can be perfectly happy without us. That is why I think it is every woman’s duty never to leave them alone for a single moment, except during this short breathing space after dinner; without which I believe we poor women would be absolutely worn to shadows.

[Enter Servants with coffee.]

Lady Hunstanton. Worn to shadows, dear?