We will come to a distinct understanding.
In the first place, you will return me my telegram.
I have just sent it to the telegraph office, by Tyler.
Oh, you--you--you vexing girl! Mr. Mallory will be here to-night.
Yes--and will "Bring two or three good fellows." At least we hope so.
[_Standing over him with her arms folded._] Listen, Mr. Vere Queckett. [_He starts._] We ladies are going to give a little party to-night to celebrate a serious event in the life of one of us. We have invited only one young gentleman; your friends will be welcome.
Without us your party must fail, for we command the servants. Let it be a compact--your soirée shall be our soirée, and our soirée your soirée.
[_Solemnly._] Consider, Mr. Queckett--your Christmas holidays are to be passed with us. Think in which direction your comfort and freedom lie--in friendship or in enmity? Even now, Ermyntrude Johnson is trimming the holly with one of your razors.
But what explanation could I give Mr. Mallory of your presence here?
Every detail has been considered. You are our bachelor uncle.
[_Queckett looks up--is tickled by the idea, and bursts out laughing. Peggy joins._]
I don't see why that shouldn't be rather jolly.
Let's be friends, then--shall we? Have you girls got any money?
[_Outside._] Tyler, fetch a cab. [_Queckett makes a bolt from the room, and Peggy vigorously re-arranges the furniture as Miss Dyott enters, dressed as if for a journey, and carrying her umbrella and hand-bag again. _] Where is my husband?
[_Looking about her._] Your hand-bag, Miss Dyott? [_Queckett re-enters._]
Of course, Carrie. I'll drive with you to Paddington.
[_Taking off his coat with alacrity._] Oh, Carrie, I am disappointed!
[_Dinah, Gwendoline, and Ermyntrude come through the hall, into the room, and form a group. Jane enters the hall. Tyler joins her there._]
Miss Hesslerigge--young ladies. I regret to say I am compelled to--to quit Volumnia House for a time. The length of my absence depends upon how long it runs--[_correcting herself in confusion_]--upon how long it runs to it, to employ a colloquialism of the vulgar. But I depart with a light heart, because I leave my husband in authority. He will find a trusty lieutenant in Miss Hesslerigge. Ladies, to abandon for the moment our mother tongue, _Je vous embrasse de tout mon cour--soyez sages!_