Everybody: Hark. What’s that? (Mrs. Balbus crawls out of the bivouac on her hands and knees.)
Mrs. Balbus (fondly): John, you’ve left off your comforter.... Why are you all in a ring? You’ll have the fairies out if you stand in a ring.
McVittie (uneasily): In a ring? I didn’t notice. I think——(He turns to move away but finds himself rooted to the ground.) Well, this is most extraordinary.
Emily Jane: What is extraordinary, dear Mr. McVittie?
McVittie: I can’t move hand or foot.
Mr. Balbus: Good Lord. Nor can I.
Price: Nor I.
Emily Jane: I can a little. It’s getting very difficult. Now I can’t either. (The strain of music is heard again.)
Mrs. Balbus: Ugh! The horrid thing’s got hold of me now. I can’t move either. John, make them stop it at once.
Mr. Balbus (feebly): How can I, my dear? I’m quite powerless.