per._] Oh, but you must come! I
mean to be a perfect wife to Philip and all his relations! That sounds
rather miscellaneous, but you know what I mean.

SUDLEY. [_Very sententious._] I am afraid--

CYNTHIA. [_Gay and still covering her embarrassment._] If you don't
come, it'll look as if you were not standing by Philip when he's in
trouble! You'll come, won't you--but of course you will.

SUDLEY. [_After a self-important pause._] I will come, Mrs. Karslake.
[_Pausing._] Good-afternoon. [_In a tone of sorrow and light
compassion._] Good-bye, Mary. Good-afternoon, Sarah. [_Sighing._]
Grace, dear. [_To_ MISS HENEAGE.] At what hour did you say the alimony
commences?

MISS HENEAGE. [_Quickly and commandingly to cover his slip._] The
ceremony is at three P. M., William.

[SUDLEY _walks toward the door._

MRS. PHILLIMORE. [_With fatigued voice and manner as she rises._] I am
going to my room to rest awhile.

[_She trails slowly from the room._

MISS HENEAGE. [_To_ SUDLEY.] Oh, William, one moment--I entirely
forgot! I've a most important social question to ask you! [_She
accompanies him slowly to the door._] in regard to the announcements
of the wedding--who they shall be sent to and who not. For
instance--the Dudleys-- [_Deep in their talk_, SUDLEY _and_ MISS
HENEAGE _pass out together._

CYNTHIA. [_From the sofa._] So that's Cousin William?

GRACE. [_From the tea-table._] Don't you like him?

CYNTHIA. [_Calmly sarcastic._] Like him? I love him. He's so generous.
He couldn't have received me with more warmth if I'd been a mulatto.

THOMAS _comes in, preceded by_ PHILLIMORE. PHILIP PHILLIMORE
_is a self-centered, short-tempered, imperious member of the
respectable fashionables of New York. He is well and solidly
dressed, and in manner and speech evidently a man of family.
He is accustomed to being listened to in his home circle and
from the bench, and it is practically impossible for him to
believe that he can make a mistake._

GRACE. [_Outraged._] Really you know-- [CYNTHIA _moves to the table._]
Philip!

PHILIP _nods to_ GRACE _absent-mindedly. He is in his working
suit and looks tired. He walks into the room silently; goes
over to the tea-table, bends over and kisses_ CYNTHIA _on the
forehead. Goes to his chair, which_ THOMAS _has moved to suit
him. He sits, and sighs with satisfaction._

PHILIP. [_As if exhausted by brain work._] Ah,