DOWAGER.
It never struck me your wife was thrifty.
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
Nor me till that moment. Which shows how liable the most careful observer is to error. [Resuming the study of his speech.] Pray excuse me.
DOWAGER.
[To herself.] Um! [She goes up to the window.]
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
[Studying.] "I can conceive no position more agreeable to a Minister of the Crown----" I"ll go upstairs, quietly. "----than that which I occupy upon this occasion."
[He moves softly toward the door. The DOWAGER turns suddenly.]
DOWAGER.
Julian!
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
Dora?
DOWAGER.
I don"t like your wife"s great friendship for Mrs. Gayl.u.s.tre.
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
Katherine finds her a bright companion.
DOWAGER.
Katherine has _my_ companionship. It"s true I can"t cut a sleeve like that lady.
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
It is to be regretted that poor Mrs. Gayl.u.s.tre is forced to follow the modern fashion of increasing her income by devices formerly practised only by the lower middle-cla.s.ses.
DOWAGER.
She sticks pins in her bosom as though she relished it.
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
But, after all, Dora, Madame Mauricette, of Plunkett Street, and Mrs.
Gayl.u.s.tre, widow of Lord Bulpitt"s son, are two very distinct persons.
Excuse me. [He continues studying his speech.]
DOWAGER.
But what was she _before_ her marriage?
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
You must really give me notice of that question--I beg your pardon--I don"t know.
DOWAGER.
This lady now walks into your house as if it were her own!
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
Ah!
DOWAGER.
Your wife is positively canva.s.sing for invitations for her! Julian!
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
I shall be unprepared with my speech!
DOWAGER.
My family comes before everything!
[PROBYN enters.]
PROBYN.
Lord and Lady Drumdurris are inquiring for you, my lady.
DOWAGER.
Beg them to come here. [PROBYN retires.]
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
Ah, then, if you"ll allow me----
DOWAGER.
No, Julian. This is another family matter of terrible importance.
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.