SOPHY.

[_As they hastily return to their chairs._] Darling, I was only thinking
of you and the poor Captain. [_With another glance towards the window._]
Phew! if my Valma knew!

[_They resume their seats, and the manicuring is continued._

MISS LIMBIRD _enters, preceding_ LORD QUEX _and the_ COUNTESS OF
OWBRIDGE, MRS. JACK EDEN _and_ FRAYNE. MISS MOON _follows._ LADY
OWBRIDGE _is a very old lady in a mouse-coloured wig, with a pale,
anxious face, watery eyes, and no eyebrows._ MRS. EDEN _is an
ultra-fashionably-dressed woman of about thirty, shrill and_ maniéré.

QUEX.

[_To_ LADY OWBRIDGE, _who is upon his arm._] Yes, a curious phase of
modern life. Many people come to these places for rest.

LADY OWBRIDGE.

[_Looking about her shrinkingly._] For rest, Henry?

QUEX.

Certainly. I know a woman--I _knew_ a woman who used to declare that her
sole repose during the Season was the half-hour with the manicurist.

MRS. EDEN.