Claude.
Yes. Dear mother, how nice it will be to see her again!
Pauline.
It will be charming, of course.... I do hope no one else will call at the same time. Perhaps I’d better tell James we are not at home to anyone except Mrs. Melnotte.
Claude.
Oh, no, don’t do that. My mother will enjoy meeting our friends.
Pauline.
No doubt, dear. But will our friends enjoy meeting your mother? [Seeing him about to burst forth again.] Oh, yes, Claude, I know what you are going to say. But, after all, Lyons is a very purse-proud, vulgar place. You know, how my mother can behave on occasions! And if Mrs. Melnotte happens to be here when any other people call it may be very unpleasant. I really think I had better say we are not at home to anyone else.
[Rises to ring the bell.
Claude.