_Miss de M._ I always have them on my _own_ sideboard now--my husband won't _hear_ of any others.... Then, I _may_ put this one in paper for you? fifteen-and-sixpence--thanks _so_ much! (_To her colleague, as_ Mrs. N. _departs_.) CONNIE, I've got rid of that awful nightgown case at _last!_
_Mrs. Maycup._ A--you _don't_ happen to have a small bag to hold a powder-puff, and so on, you know?
_Miss de M._ I _had_ some very pretty ones; but I'm afraid they're all--oh, no, there's just _one_ left--crimson velvet and real _passementerie_. (_She produces a bag._) Too trotty for words, isn't it?
_Mrs. Maycup_ (_tacitly admitting its trottiness_). But then--that sort of purse-shape---- Could I get a small pair of folding curling-irons into it, should you think, at a pinch?
_Miss de M._ You could get _anything_ into it--at a pinch. I've one myself which will hold--well, I can't tell you what it _won't_ hold! Half-a-guinea--so _many_ thanks! (_To herself, as_ Mrs. MAYCUP _carries off her bag_.) What _would_ the Vicar's wife say if she knew I'd sold her church collection bag for _that!_ But it's all in a good cause! (_An_ Elderly Lady _comes up_.) May I show you some of these----?
_The Elderly Lady._ Well, I was wondering if you had such a thing as a good warm pair of sleeping socks: because, these bitter nights, I do find I suffer so from cold in my feet.
_Miss de M._ (_with effusion_). Ah, then I can _feel_ for you--so do _I!_ At least, I _used_ to before I tried--(_To herself._) Where _is_ that pair of thick woollen driving-gloves? Ah, _I_ know. (_Aloud._)--these. I've found them _such_ a comfort!
_The E. L._ (_suspiciously_). They have rather a queer---- And then they're divided at the ends, too.
_Miss de M._ Oh, haven't you seen _those_ before? Doctors consider them so much healthier, don't you know.
_The E. L._ I daresay they are, my dear. But aren't the--(_with delicate embarrassment_)--the separated parts rather long?
_Miss de M._ Do you _think_ so? They allow so much more freedom, you see; and then, of course they'll shrink.
_The E. L._ That's true, my dear. Well, I'll take a pair, as you recommend them so strongly.
_Miss de M._ I'm quite _sure_ you'll never regret it! (_To herself, as the_ E. L. _retires, charmed_.) I'd give _anything_ to see the poor old thing trying to put them on!