_Mrs Allmash_. How wonderfully clever and fortunate you are, dear! What
is her name?

_Lady Fritterly_. Mrs Gloring.

_Mrs Allmash_. Oh yes; everybody was talking about her at the Duchess's
last night. I am dying to see her; but they say that she is rather a
fool.

_Lady Fritterly_. Pure spite and jealousy. Yet that is the way these
Christian women of society obey the precept of their religion, and love
their neighbours as themselves.

[Lord Fondleton _is announced_, _accompanied by a stranger_.

_Lord Fondleton_. How d'ye do, Lady Fritterly? I am sure you will
excuse my taking the liberty of introducing Mr Rollestone, a very old
friend of mine, to you; he has only just returned to England, after an
absence of so many years that he is quite a stranger in London.

[Lady Fritterly _is_ "_delighted_." _The rest of the party arrive in
rapid succession_.

_Mrs Allmash_. Dear Mr Germsell, I was just telling Lady Fritterly what
an interesting conversation we were having last night when it was
unfortunately interrupted. I shall be so glad if you would explain more
fully now what you were telling me. I am sure everybody would be
interested.

_Lady Fritterly_. Oh do, Mr Germsell; it would be quite too nice of you.