MRS. ROBERTS, behind her fan to Dr. Lawton: "Didn't I do it
beautifully?"

LAWTON, behind his hand: "Wonderfully! And so unconscious of the
fact that he hasn't his wife with him."

MRS. ROBERTS, in great astonishment, to Mr. Curwen: "Where in the
world is Mrs. Curwen?"

CURWEN: "Oh--oh--she'll be here. I thought she was here. She
started from home with two right-hand gloves, and I had to go back
for a left, and I--I suppose--Good heavens!" pulling the glove out
of his pocket. "I ought to have sent it to her in the ladies'
dressing-room." He remains with the glove held up before him, in
spectacular stupefaction.

LAWTON: "Only imagine what Mrs. Curwen would be saying of you if she
were in the dressing-room."

ROBERTS: "Mr. Curwen felt so sure she was there that he wouldn't
wait to take the elevator, and walked up." Another ring is heard.
"Shall I go and meet your aunt NOW, my dear?"

MRS. ROBERTS: "No, indeed! She may come in now with all the
formality she chooses, and I will receive her excuses in state." She
waves her fan softly to and fro, concealing a murmur of trepidation
under an indignant air, till the portiere opens, and MR. WILLIS
CAMPBELL enters. Then MRS. ROBERTS breaks in nervous agitation "Why,
Willis! Where's Aunt Mary?"