f Japanese Legation--both of whom she has met as they
were entering the house._)

(_Chalmers changes his course, and meets the above advancing
group. He knows Dolores Ortega, whom he greets, and is introduced
to Sakari._)

(_Margaret passes on among guests, greeting them, etc. Then she
displaces Connie at tea-table and proceeds to dispense tea to the
newcomers._)

(_Groups slowly form and seat themselves about stage as follows:
Chalmers and Dolores Ortega; Rutland, Dowsett, Mrs. Starkweather;
Connie, Mr. Dowsett, and Hubbard._)

(_Chalmers carries tea to Dolores Ortega._)

(_Sakari has been lingering by table, waiting for tea and
pattering with Margaret, Chalmers, etc._)

{Margaret}

(_Handing cup to Sakari._) I am very timid in offering you this,
for I am sure you must be appalled by our barbarous methods of
making tea.

{Sakari}

(_Bowing._) It is true, your American tea, and the tea of the
English, are quite radically different from the tea in my
country. But one learns, you know. I served my apprenticeship
to American tea long years ago, when I was at Yale. It was
perplexing, I assure you--at first, only at first I really
believe that I am beginning to have a--how shall I call it?--a
tolerance for tea in your fashion.

{Margaret}

You are very kind in overlooking our shortcomings.

{Sakari}

(_Bowing._) On the contrary, I am unaware, always unaware, of any
shortcomings of this marvelous country of yours.

{Margaret}

(_Laughing._) You are incorrigibly gracious, Mr. Sakari. (_Knox
appears at threshold of rear entrance and pauses irresolutely for
a moment_)

{Sakari}

(_Noticing Knox, and looking about him to select which group he
will join._) If I may be allowed, I shall now retire and consume
this--tea.

(_Joins group composed of Connie, Mrs. Dowsett, and Hubbard._)

(_Knox comes forward to Margaret, betraying a certain awkwardness
due to lack of experience in such social functions. He greets
Margaret and those in the group nearest her._)

{Knox}

(_To Margaret._) I don't know why I come here. I do not belong. All
the ways are strange.

{Margaret}

(_Lightly, at the same time preparing his tea._) The same Ali
Baba--once again in the den of the forty thieves. But your watch
and pocket-book are safe here, really they are.

(_Knox makes a gesture of dissent at her facetiousness._) Now don't
be serious. You should relax sometimes. You live too tensely.

(_Looking at Starkweather._