[_Eyeing Peggy._] Why, we've met before to-day!
At a miserable school near my house in Portland Place.
Oh, yes. Our holidays began this afternoon.
Why, Queckett, my daughter Dinah and Miss Griffin are school-fellows!
Do you happen to know anything about the person who keeps that school? What's the woman's name--Miss--Miss--?
Miss Dyott. Oh, yes, Uncle knows her to speak to.
[_Looking vindictively at Peggy._] Er--um--rather not hazard an opinion. [_He hastily joins Mallory, Gwendoline, and Ermyntrude._]
[_Confidentially to Peggy._] Er--um--my dear Miss Griffin, did you receive a short but ample apology from me this afternoon--addressed, "To the young lady who was shaken"?
No, no, don't! You haven't bothered your Uncle about it, have you, dear?
I shouldn't, then, I shouldn't. He seems worried enough. Shall I take you and your sisters to see the pantomime?
Then you'd better give me back that apology.
One--two--three. Mr. Mallory says you have four nieces with you, Mr. Queckett.
Ah, but Jack's been dining, you know. I beg your pardon, Jack.
Oh, yes, there is one more. Mrs.--Mrs.--Parkinson is here with her husband.
H'm! my brother Tankerville's eldest girl.
I've never heard of your brother Tankerville!
No--he's Deputy Inspector of Prisons in British Guiana. Quiet, retiring chap.
I'll go and fetch them. [_She runs out._]
[_To Rankling._] To make a clean breast of it, the girls have been preparing a little festival to-night in honor of Mr. and Mrs.--Mr. and Mrs.--the name Peggy mentioned. My niece was married, very quietly, some weeks ago to a charming young fellow--a charming young fellow--and these foolish children insist on cutting a wedding-cake and all that sort of nonsense. I didn't want to disturb you with their chatter--
You forget, Queckett, you are speaking to a father.
No--I don't, indeed. [_Peggy re-enters, followed by Reginald and Dinah._]
How do you--[_Staring._] What an extraordinary likeness to my brother Ned! [_Taking her hand slowly, still looking at her._] And how do you do?
[_Palpitating._] Thank you, I am very well.
Do you know, your voice is exceedingly like my sister Rachel's!
[_Thrusting himself between Dinah and Rankling._] I am sorry to differ--I think my wife resembles no one but herself.