Pauline (coming in as Silvia utters the last words, laughingly). Now do have the grace to say "better late than never."
Silvia (smiling). "Eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves" would be a more suitable proverb. But are we really all here? (Looks around.) No, Catharine is missing.
Grace (mischievously). Absent would be a better word.
Rose. Well, do let's begin. I can't stay more than fifteen minutes. I ought to be trying on my new mousseline de soie this minute. (Becoming enthusiastic.) Really, Madam Mosset has outdone herself. Why, she has put the dearest, little folds of—
Harriet (interrupting, wearily). What are we to do, anyway?
All. I don't know.
Grace (pulling out a letter from her pocket, and reading). Catharine says we are an Armenian Relief Committee. (Helplessly.) What do we have to do?
All (wailingly). I don't know.
Grace. Let Silvia tell us; she's hostess.
Silvia (despairingly). I haven't the faintest idea what we can do. Catharine suggested this meeting, and she ought to be here to help us.