lady markby. That is quite true, dear. But one needn’t know them. I’m sure I don’t know half the people who come to my house. Indeed, from all I hear, I shouldn’t like to.

[Enter mason.]

lady chiltern. What sort of a brooch was it that you lost, Mrs. Cheveley?

mrs. cheveley. A diamond snake-brooch with a ruby, a rather large ruby.

lady markby. I thought you said there was a sapphire on the head, dear?

mrs. cheveley [Smiling.] No, lady Markby—a ruby.

lady markby. [Nodding her head.] And very becoming, I am quite sure.

lady chiltern. Has a ruby and diamond brooch been found in any of the rooms this morning, Mason?

mason. No, my lady.

mrs. cheveley. It really is of no consequence, Lady Chiltern. I am so sorry to have put you to any inconvenience.