[A ring is heard.
Basil.
There's the bell, Mrs. Griggs. I dare say it's the lady I expect. If any one else comes, I'm not at home.
Mrs. Griggs.
Very well, sir.
[She goes out, and Basil occupies himself for a
moment in putting things in order. Mrs.
Griggs, opening the door, ushers in the
new-comers.
Mrs. Griggs.
If you please, sir.
[She goes out again, and during the next few
speeches brings two more cups and the tea.
[Mabel and Hilda enter, followed by John
Halliwell. Basil going towards them
very cordially, half stops when he notices
who they are; and a slight expression of
embarrassment passes over his face. But
he immediately recovers himself and is
extremely gracious. Hilda Murray is a
tall, handsome woman, self-possessed and
admirably gowned. Mabel Halliwell is
smaller, pretty rather than beautiful,
younger than her sister, vivacious, very
talkative, and somewhat irresponsible.
John is of the same age as Basil, good-humoured,
neither handsome nor plain
blunt of speech and open.
Basil.