income
feels that her opinion has its value._ MRS. PHILLIMORE _is a
semi-professional invalid, refined and unintelligent. Her
movements are weak and fatigued. Her voice is habitually
plaintive and she is entirely a lady without a trace of being
a woman of fashion._ THOMAS _is an easy-mannered, but
respectful family servant, un-English both in style and
appearance. He has no deportment worthy of being so called,
and takes an evident interest in the affairs of the family he
serves._

MISS HENEAGE _is seated at the tea-table, facing the
footlights._ MRS. PHILLIMORE _is seated at the table on the
right._ THOMAS _stands near by. Tea things on table. Decanter
of sherry in coaster. Bread and butter on plate. Vase with
flowers. Silver match-box. Large old-fashioned tea urn. Guard
for flame. "The Evening Post" on tea-table._ MISS HENEAGE
_and_ MRS. PHILLIMORE _both have cups of tea._ MISS HENEAGE
_sits up very straight, and pours tea for_ GRACE, _who enters
from door. She is a pretty and fashionably dressed girl of
twenty. She speaks superciliously, coolly, and not too fast.
She sits on the sofa gracefully and without lounging. She
wears a gown suitable for spring visiting, hat, parasol, and
gloves._

GRACE. [_As she moves to the sofa._] I never in my life walked so far
and found so few people at home. [_Pauses. Takes off gloves. Somewhat
querulously._] The fact is the nineteenth of May is ridiculously late
to be in town.

MISS HENEAGE. Thomas, Mr. Phillimore's sherry?

THOMAS. [_Indicating the particular table._] The sherry, ma'am.

MISS HENEAGE. Mr. Phillimore's _Post_?

THOMAS. [_Pointing to "The Evening Post" on the tea-table._] The
_Post_, ma'am.

MISS HENEAGE. [_Indicating cup._] Miss Phillimore.

THOMAS _takes cup of tea to_ GRACE. _Silence. They all sip tea._
THOMAS _goes back, fills sherry glass, remaining round and about the
tea-table. They all drink tea during their entire conversation._

GRACE. The Dudleys were at home. They wished to know when my brother
Philip was to be married, and where and how?

MISS HENEAGE. If the Dudleys were persons of breeding, they'd not
intrude their curiosity upon you.

GRACE. I like Lena Dudley.

MRS. PHILLIMORE. [_Speaking slowly and gently._] Do I know Miss
Dudley?

GRACE. She knows Philip. She expects an announcement of the wedding.

MRS. PHILLIMORE. I trust you told her tha