I went to the Lord Mayor's Show once; I heard a little.
Then I regret to say I use it to you, Miss Hesslerigge--I use it to you! [_Miss Dyott enters, carrying Queckett's hat, gloves and overcoat._]
You can address the labels in another room, Miss Hesslerigge, please.
[_Putting the hat on Queckett's head._] You look sickly, my Vere.
I shall be better after my stroll, Caroline. [_A knock and ring are heard._]
[_Assisting Queckett with his overcoat._] As you have some solitary evenings before you, you may lay in a few cigars, Vere darling.
[_Helping him to put on his gloves like a child._] But, for the sake of our depressed native industries, I beg that you will order those of purely British origin and manufacture. [_Tyler enters carrying a large common black tea-tray upon which is a solitary visiting-card._] Where's the salver, you bad boy!
[_Pointing to Queckett sullenly._] 'E slopped his choc'late over it.
[_Taking the card._] Admiral and Mrs. Rankling--Dinah's parents! I must see them.
[_Hastily turning up his collar to conceal his face._] No, no! They know me--they are old friends of my family's! [_Tyler shows in Admiral and Mrs. Rankling. Mrs. Rankling is a thin, weak looking, faded lady, with a pale face and anxious eyes. She is dressed in too many colours, and nothing seems to fit very well. Admiral Rankling is a stout, fine old gentleman with short crisp grey hair and fierce black eyebrows. He appears to be suffering inwardly from intense anger._]
My dear Mrs. Rankling. [_The ladies shake hands. Tyler goes out._]
[_Pointing to Rankling._] This is Admiral Rankling. [_Miss Dyott bows ceremoniously. Rankling returns a slight bow and glares at her._]
[_To Mrs. Rankling._] Pray sit by the fire. [_As the ladies move to the fire, Queckett, who has been watching his opportunity, creeps round at the back and goes out._]
[_Warming her feet at the fire._] The Admiral has called upon you, Miss Dyott, with reference to our child, Dinah. [_Rankling, with a smothered exclamation of rage, sits on the sofa._]
Whom we find the charming daughter of charming parents. [_Rankling gives her a fierce look, which frightens Miss Dyott, who is most anxious to conciliate the Admiral._]
Dinah's obstinacy is a very serious shock to the Admiral, who is naturally unused to insubordination.