Burney.  Oh!  Quiet, of course.

Paynter.  Country homes—­I know ’em.  What’s her father, the old
Rector, like?

Burney.  Oh! very steady old man.  The mother dead long before I took the place.

Paynter.  Not a penny, I suppose?

Burney. [Shaking her head] No; and seven of them.

Paynter. [At sound of the hall door] The Governor!

     Burney withdraws through the curtained door.

George Dedmond enters from the hall.  He is in evening dress, opera hat, and overcoat; his face is broad, comely, glossily shaved, but with neat moustaches.  His eyes, clear, small, and blue-grey, have little speculation.  His hair is well brushed.

George. [Handing Paynter his coat and hat] Look here, Paynter!  When I send up from the Club for my dress things, always put in a black waistcoat as well.

Paynter.  I asked the mistress, sir.

George.  In future—­see?

Paynter.  Yes, sir. [Signing towards the window] Shall I leave the sunset, sir?

But George has crossed to the curtained door; he opens it and says:  “Clare!” Receiving no answer, he goes in.  Paynter switches up the electric light.  His face, turned towards the curtained door, is apprehensive.

George. [Re-entering] Where’s Mrs. Dedmond?

Paynter.  I hardly know, sir.

George.  Dined in?

Paynter.  She had a mere nothing at seven, sir.

George.  Has she gone out, since?

Paynter.  Yes, sir—­that is, yes.  The—­er—­mistress was not dressed at all.  A little matter of fresh air, I think; sir.

George.  What time did my mother say they’d be here for Bridge?

Paynter.  Sir Charles and Lady Dedmond were coming at half-past nine; and Captain Huntingdon, too—­Mr. and Mrs. Fullarton might be a bit late, sir.

George.  It’s that now.  Your mistress said nothing?

Paynter.  Not to me, sir.

George.  Send Burney.

Paynter.  Very good, sir. [He withdraws.]

     George stares gloomily at the card tables.  Burney comes in
     front the hall.

George.  Did your mistress say anything before she went out?

Burney.  Yes, sir.

George.  Well?

Burney.  I don’t think she meant it, sir.

George.  I don’t want to know what you don’t think, I want the fact.

Burney.  Yes, sir.  The mistress said:  “I hope it’ll be a pleasant evening, Burney!”

George.  Oh!—­Thanks.

Burney.  I’ve put out the mistress’s things, sir.