MRS. H. Go and get your daughter-in-law.

HORNBLOWER. [With the first sensation of being in a net] It's a
foul shame--a lying slander!

MRS. H. If so, it's easily disproved. Go and fetch her.

HORNBLOWER. [Seeing them unmoved] I will. I don't believe a word
of it.

MRS. H. I hope you are right.

[HORNBLOWER goes out by the French window, DAWKER slips to the
door Right, opens it, and speaks to those within. MRS.
HILLCRIST stands moistening her lips, and passim her
handkerchief over them. HORNBLOWER returns, preceding CHLOE,
strung up to hardness and defiance.]

HORNBLOWER. Now then, let's have this impudent story torn to rags.

CHLOE. What story?

HORNBLOWER. That you, my dear, were a woman--it's too shockin--I
don't know how to tell ye----

CHLOE. Go on!

HORNBLOWER. Were a woman that went with men, to get them their
divorce.