Miss P. What are your plans for to-day, Audley? (Miss Pillenger has undone napkin and is pouring out tea)

Pil. I expect to be rather busy.

Lucy. It's sermon day, isn't it? (hands toast to Mr. Pillenger, and takes an egg and toast herself)

Pil. It is. So I trust your piano practice will be reduced to a minimum.

Lucy. I'm going down to the village. I suppose you'll have broken the back of it by lunch time.

Pil. Possibly—probably!

(Dorvaston comes out from French window; takes Lucy's hand between both his caressingly.)

Dor. 'Fraid I'm a bit late. How are you, sir? (bowing to Mr. Pillenger and Miss Pillenger)

Pil. In my ordinary health, I am obliged to you.