Mrs. Bennet has entered. She is the housekeeper.

MRS. BENNET [she is about to speak to the Misses Wetherell; sees the
Doctor]. Good afternoon, doctor.

DR. FREEMANTLE. Afternoon, Mrs. Bennet.

MRS. BENNET [she turns to the Misses Wetherell, her watch in her
hand]. I was thinking of having the fire lighted in her ladyship's
bedroom. It is half past six.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. You are always so thoughtful. She may be
tired.

MRS. BENNET. If so, everything will be quite ready. [She goes out,
closing door.]

DR. FREEMANTLE. What do they think about it all--the Bennets? You
have told them?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. We thought it better. You see, one
hardly regards them as servants. They have been in the family so
long. Three generations of them.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Really, since our poor dear brother's
death, Bennet has been more like the head of the house than the
butler.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Of course, he doesn't say much.