laughing and talking. Other guests come on from ball-room.]

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. Dear Margaret, I've just been having such a
delightful chat with Mrs. Erlynne. I am so sorry for what I said
to you this afternoon about her. Of course, she must be all right
if YOU invite her. A most attractive woman, and has such sensible
views on life. Told me she entirely disapproved of people marrying
more than once, so I feel quite safe about poor Augustus. Can't
imagine why people speak against her. It's those horrid nieces of
mine--the Saville girls--they're always talking scandal. Still, I
should go to Homburg, dear, I really should. She is just a little
too attractive. But where is Agatha? Oh, there she is: [LADY
AGATHA and MR. HOPPER enter from terrace L.U.E.] Mr. Hopper, I am
very, very angry with you. You have taken Agatha out on the
terrace, and she is so delicate.

HOPPER. Awfully sorry, Duchess. We went out for a moment and then
got chatting together.

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [C.] Ah, about dear Australia, I suppose?

HOPPER. Yes!

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. Agatha, darling! [Beckons her over.]

LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma!

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Aside.] Did Mr. Hopper definitely -

LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma.