_The light is that of a bright day in June._
[_On the right_ MISS CLARIDGE _and_ MISS HUDDLE _are in the final stages of manicuring two smart-looking men. The men occupy the screen-chairs; the manicurists--comely girls in black frocks--sit, facing the men, upon the smaller seats. On the left_ MISS MOON _is rougeing and varnishing the nails of a fashionably-dressed young lady, whose maid is seated at the table in the centre._ MISS LIMBIRD _is at the desk, deep in accounts._
[_To the young lady._] You won't have them _too_ red, will you?
[_Examining his nails critically as he rises._] I say though, that's a vast improvement!
[_He pays_ MISS LIMBIRD, _stands talking to her for a while, and ultimately strolls away through the opening in the partition. After putting her table in order_, MISS CLARIDGE _goes out the same way, carrying her bowl of water and towel._
[_To the young lady._] Have you had your hand read yet, madam, by any of these palmists?
Heavens, yes! I've been twice to that woman Bernstein, and I don't know how often to Chiron.
He's the latest. Ladies are flocking to him.
186--next door. [_Indicating the window on the left._] You can see his waiting-room from that window.
Ah, but consider, madam--his rooms are draped from ceiling to floor in blue velvet. Blue velvet! fancy! Not that I've had the privilege of viewing them myself; Miss F. is our authority.
I beg your pardon--Miss Fullgarney. Valma is quite neighbourly with Miss Fullgarney.
[_A door-gong sounds--as it does every time any one enters or quits the establishment--signifying that the first gentleman has departed._
[_Rising._] Much obliged. [_Putting a tip into_ MISS HUDDLE'S _hand_.] For yourself.
Yes; I used to be with Mossu and Madame Roget in Mortimer Street.
Well, p'r'aps you'd better ask for Miss Hud-delle; I fancy Miss Fullgarney is going to alter me to that.
[_He pays_ MISS LIMBIRD _and goes out. The maid rises and hands the young lady her gloves._
[_Taking a card from the mirror._] Would you like a card of Valma's, madam, just to remind you?
[_Accepting the card and reading it._] "Valma. Palmist. Professor of the Sciences of Chiromancy and Chirognomy. 186 New Bond Street." [_Giving the card to her maid._] Keep that.