[LADY TWOMBLEY knocks the paper to the ground.]
Fanny, this is really most trying. [Picking up the paper and reading.] "There are already signs of an exodus from town. Among the first of the notabilities to turn their faces northward are Sir Julian and Lady Twombley, who will spend the autumn at Drumdurris Castle as the guests of their nephew, Lord Drumdurris."
Fan, what's that to us! Lady Twombley, we entertain a not unreasonable desiah to spend _our_ autumn at Drumdurris Castle.
Oh, Fan, I really can't! You must cut in again.
Bill Number One falls due next month when you are at Drumdurris Castle!
No, no! Fan, do _not_ mix up business with friendship. You know my rule.
Oh, Fanny, how plainly you put it! Don't!
[DRUMDURRIS enters talking to VALENTINE. IMOGEN, LADY EUPHEMIA, and BROOKE follow; then EGIDIA and ANGÈLE with the infant.]
[He produces his pocketbook, opens it, and gives her a glimpse of the Bills.]
[She makes a futile snatch at the pocketbook.]
[SIR JULIAN enters, intent upon his speech, the MS. of which he carries in his hand.]
[To himself.] "I can conceive no position more agreeable to a Minister of the Crown----" [Seeing LEBANON.] Eh?
Julian, Lord Drumdurris, Brooke, let me introduce to you--Mr. Lebanon.
[Triumphantly to himself.] Ah! [LEBANON grasps SIR JULIAN's hand warmly.] De-lighted to find myself in your elegant 'ouse. Most _recherché_. [Shaking hands with all the others.] You all know my sister Fan. Elegant 'ouse this. Most _recherché_.
[MRS. GAYLUSTRE runs to SIR JULIAN and taking a flower from her dress fastens it in his coat.]
[The DOWAGER enters with her arm through MACPHAIL's, LADY MACPHAIL following.]
[Quietly to MRS. GAYLUSTRE.] Who's the Judy?
Ah! [Turning to the DOWAGER and seizing her hand.] De-lighted! 'Ope to have the pleashah of meetin' you up North.
[There is a general expression of astonishment, and LADY TWOMBLEY sinks upon the settee.]
The scene is the inner hall at Drumdurris Castle, Perthshire, leading on one side to the outer hall, and on the other to the picture gallery. It is solidly and comfortably furnished, and a fire is burning in the grate of the large oaken fireplace. It is an afternoon in August.
IMOGEN is sitting at the table reading over a letter she has written.