LAURA. [Slowly turns around and looks at it.] Yes.  Put it back.  I thought perhaps it was lost. [ANNIE complies, when the bell rings. LAURA starts suddenly, involuntarily gathering her negligee gown closer to her figure, and at once she is under a great stress of emotion, and sways upon her feet to such an extent that she is obliged to put one hand out on to the table to maintain her balance.  When she speaks, it is with a certain difficulty of articulation.] See—­who—­that is—­and let me know.

ANNIE. [Turning.] Yassum. [Crosses, opens the first door, and afterwards opens the second door.

ELFIE’S VOICE. [Off stage.] Hello, Annie,—­folks home?

ANNIE.  Yassum, she’s in.

LAURA immediately evinces her tremendous relief, and ELFIE, without waiting for a reply, has shoved ANNIE aside and enters, ANNIE following and closing the door. ELFIE is beautifully gowned in a morning dress with an overabundance of fur trimmings and all the furbelows that would accompany the extravagant raiment generally affected by a woman of that type. ELFIE approaching effusively.

ELFIE.  Hello, dearie.

LAURA.  Hello, Elfie.

LAURA crosses and sits on sofa. ELFIE puts muff, &c., on table.

ELFIE.  It’s a bully day out. [Crossing to bureau, looking in mirror.] I’ve been shopping all morning long; just blew myself until I’m broke, that’s all.  My goodness, don’t you ever get dressed?  Listen. [Crosses left of table to centre.] Talk about cinches.  I copped out a gown, all ready made, and fits me like the paper on the wall, for $37.80.  Looks like it might have cost $200.  Anyway I had them charge $200 on the bill, and I kept the change.  There are two or three more down town there, and I want you to go down and look them over.  Models, you know, being sold out.  I don’t blame you for not getting up earlier. [She sits at the table, not noticing LAURA.] That was some party last night.  I know you didn’t drink a great deal, but gee! what an awful tide Will had on.  How do you feel? [Looks at her critically.] What’s the matter, are you sick?  You look all in.  What you want to do is this—­put on your duds and go out for an hour.  It’s a perfectly grand day out.  My Gaud! how the sun does shine!  Clear and cold. [A pause.] Well, much obliged for the conversation.  Don’t I get a “Good-morning,” or a “How-dy-do,” or a something of that sort?

LAURA.  I’m tired, Elfie, and blue—­terribly blue.

ELFIE. [Rises; crosses to LAURA.] Well now, you just brace up and cut out all that emotional stuff.  I came down to take you for a drive.  You’d like it; just through the park.  Will you go?

LAURA. [Going up stage.] Not this morning, dear; I’m expecting somebody.

ELFIE.  A man?

LAURA. [Finding it almost impossible to suppress a smile.] No, a gentleman.