However, we must contrive, you and I, to pa.s.s one more evening together before the event.
QUEX.
One! many!
FRAYNE.
No, no, I mean a buster, Harry; a regular night of it--
QUEX.
Good lord! go away!
[MRS. EDEN _joins_ LADY OWBRIDGE _as_ FRAYNE _advances to_ MURIEL.
FRAYNE.
[_Taking_ MURIEL"S _hand._] Dear young lady, you are about to become the wife of one of the best. There are not many of us left; we are a dwindling band, Miss Eden--
[_The_ d.u.c.h.eSS _comes to_ QUEX.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
[_To_ QUEX, _softly._] Sincere congratulations. [_He bows stiffly._] At any time, you know, when you return to England--
QUEX.
[_Eyeing her sternly._] Yes?
d.u.c.h.eSS.
After your honeymoon--
QUEX.
Yes?
d.u.c.h.eSS.
Should you feel _ennuye_--
QUEX.
I!
d.u.c.h.eSS.
The air at Burwarton never failed to exhilarate you. So pray do not forget--
QUEX.
[_Indignantly._] d.u.c.h.ess!
d.u.c.h.eSS.
[_Sweetly._] That poor dear Strood would be pleased to see you. [FRAYNE _joins_ LADY OWBRIDGE _and_ MRS. EDEN _as the_ d.u.c.h.eSS _advances to_ MURIEL.] Dear Miss Eden, may your married life be as beautiful, as serene, as my own!
MURIEL.
[_Frankly._] Thank you, d.u.c.h.ess.
LADY OWBRIDGE.
We shall be a happy party at luncheon. Shall we go, d.u.c.h.ess?
Muriel--Henry--[QUEX _joins_ MURIEL. SOPHY _is eyeing_ MURIEL _wistfully._ MISS LIMBIRD _holds the_ portiere _aside, to allow the visitors to pa.s.s out._] Good morning, Miss Fullgarney.
SOPHY.
Good morning, my lady.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
Miss Fullgarney--
SOPHY.
Good-bye, your Grace.
[_The_ d.u.c.h.eSS _and_ LADY OWBRIDGE _go out._
FRAYNE.
[_Following them with_ MRS. EDEN.] Good-day, Miss Fullgarney.
SOPHY.
Good-day, sir.
MRS. EDEN.
Morning, Sophy.
SOPHY.
Morning, Mrs. Eden.
[FRAYNE _and_ MRS. EDEN _go out._