Flo. Give me the letters. [Takes them.] Ah, blessed budget
that descends upon Trenchard Manor, like rain on a duck pond.
Tell papa and all, that the letters have come, you will find them
on the terrace.

Binny Yes, Miss. [Going, L. 3 E.]

Flo And then go fish out my hat out of the pond, it's not very deep
Binny [Aside.] Me fish for 'ats? I wonder if she takes me for an hangler?
[Exit disgusted, R. 3 E.]

Flo [Reading directions.] Lieut. Vernon. [This is a large letter
with a large white envelope, red seal.] In her Majesty's service.
Admiralty, R. N. Ah, that's an answer to Harry's application for a ship.
Papa promised to use his influence for him. I hope he has succeeded,
but then he will have to leave us, and who knows if he ever comes back.
What a foolish girl I am, when I know that his rise in the service
will depend upon it. I do hope he'll get it, and, if he must leave us,
I'll bid him good bye as a lass who loves a sailor should.


Enter Sir Edward, Mrs. M., Augusta, Capt. De Boots, Vernon, L. 3 E.


Flo Papa, dear, here are letters for you, one for you,
Mrs. Mountchessington, one for you, Capt. De Boots, and one for you, Harry.
[Hiding letter behind her.]

Ver Ah, one for me, Florence?