MRS. CROSBY, MR. CROSBY _and_ MISS EASTWOOD _are in
front of the table_ R.C. TRENT, STANDISH, MRS. TRENT, MASON _talking
together over_ L. WALES _up_ L. _Conversation ad lib. until_ MISS
EASTWOOD _speaks_.)

MISS EASTWOOD (_to_ MRS. CROSBY). Marriage is such an awful gamble.
I know a girl who tried it four times. Billy, I do hope you--
(_Turning to_ C., _where_ WILLIAM _was standing_.) Why, they are gone!

(_Laughter and buzz of conversation ad lib_.)

(Miss EASTWOOD _runs up to door_ R.C., _opens it_--_looks in
dining-room--gives a scream_--_closes door quickly, comes to right end
of chesterfield_. TRENT _goes to console table_ L. _of chesterfield,
gets cigarette, lights it, and crosses to_ C. _back of chesterfield in
front of fireplace_. STANDISH _and_ MRS. TRENT _move to table_ L. _of
chesterfield_. WALES _and_ MISS ERSKINE _sit on chesterfield facing
audience up_ C. MRS. CROSBY _is still at upper end of table_ R. CROSBY
_talks with_ MISS EASTWOOD. MASON _is the_ L. _end of the chesterfield
facing the audience_.)

(_Enter_ BUTLER _from down_ L.)

BUTLER. Mrs. Crosby, the person you sent the car for has arrived.

(_All turn eagerly toward him_.)

WALES (_rises and moves down_ L.C.). Can we see her now, Mrs. Crosby?

MRS. CROSBY. Certainly--Pollock, ask Madame la Grange if she will come
in, please.

BUTLER. Yes, madame.

(_He exits and closes the door after him_.)

MISS EASTWOOD (_coming down between the large table and the
chesterfield_). I'm perfectly thrilled. Do you suppose she expects to be
taken seriously?

MISS ERSKINE. Of course.

MISS EASTWOOD (_at table_ R.). How funny! If you don't laugh at her, we
can have no end of fun. I'll guy her terribly and she'll never know it.

MRS. CROSBY (_at table_ R.). Oh, I wouldn't do that, Mary. She may be
quite in earnest.

MISS EASTWOOD. Oh, I can't believe that. Madame la Grange! I can see her
now. Tall, black-haired creature, regular adventuress, see if she isn't.
Isn't she, Mr. Wales?

WALES (_in front of chesterfield_). She's the most remarkable woman I
have ever known.

(_Enter_ BUTLER _from door_ L., _coming well on stage_).

BUTLER. Madame la Grange.

(_Enter_ MADAME ROSALIE LA GRANGE. _She is a woman of about fifty. She
speaks with a marked French accent_.)

ROSALIE. Good evening everybody. (_The men all rise_.)

MRS. CROSBY. How do you do, Madame la Grange?

ROSALIE. I am well, I thank you, madame.

MRS. CROSBY. Do come in.

ROSALI