Enter Spreadbrow, followed by Wilcox.
Jen. (suddenly changes her manner, rises and crosses). Oh, Mr. Spreadbrow, how-d’ye-do? Quite well? I’m so glad! Sisters quite well? That’s right—how kind of you to think of my tree! So you are really and truly going to India to-night? That is sudden!
Spread. Yes, very sudden—terribly sudden. I only heard of my appointment two days ago, in London, and I’m to join my ship to-night. It’s very sudden indeed—and—and I’ve come to say good-bye.
Jen. Good-bye. (Offering her hand.)
Spread. Oh, but not like that, Jenny! Are you in a hurry?
Jen. Oh dear no, I thought you were; won’t you sit down? (They sit.) And so your sisters are quite well?
Spread. Not very; they are rather depressed at my going so soon. It may seem strange to you, but they will miss me.
Jen. I’m sure they will. I should be terribly distressed at your going—if I were your sister. And you’re going for so long!
Spread. I’m not likely to return for a great many years.