Part 2 (2/2)

MRS. W. D. (_splendide mendax_). She's a.s.sisting the dear d.u.c.h.ess.

_Now_, perhaps, you will allow me to pa.s.s!

The L. M. Afraid I can't, really. But if you mean Lady Honor Hyndlegges--_she_ is the only lady at the d.u.c.h.ess's stall--I could send _in_ for her. Or of course, if you like to pay half-a-crown----

MRS. W. D. (_hastily_). Thank you, I--I won't disturb her ladys.h.i.+p. I had no _idea_ there was any charge for admission, and--(_bristling_)--allow me to say I consider such regulations _most_ absurd.

The L. M. (_sweetly, with a half glance at the bowl of coins on the table_). Quite _too_ ridiculous, ain't they? _Good_ afternoon!

MRS. W. D. (_audibly, as she flounces out_). If they suppose _I'm_ going to pay half-a-crown for the privilege of being _fleeced_----!

FOOTMAN (_on steps, sotto voce, to confrere_). ”Fleeced”! that's a good 'un, eh? _She_ ain't brought much wool in with _her_!

His CONFReRE. On'y what's stuffed inside of her ear. [_They resume their former impa.s.sive dignity._

_In the Venetian Gallery--where the Bazaar is being held._

A LOYAL OLD LADY (_at the top of her voice--to_ STALL-KEEPER). Which of 'em's the Princess, my dear, eh? It's her I paid _my_ money to see.

The STALL-KEEPER (_in a dismayed whisper_). Ss.h.!.+ Not _quite_ so loud!

There--just opposite--petunia bow in her bonnet--selling kittens.

The L. O. L. (_planting herself on a chair_). So _that's_ her! Well, she _is_ dressed plain--for a Royalty--but looks _pleasant_ enough. I wouldn't mind taking one o' them kittens off her Royal 'Ighness myself, if they was going at all reasonable. But there, I expect, the cats _'ere_ is meat for my masters, so to speak; and you see, my dear, 'aving the promise of a tortoise-sh.e.l.l Tom from the lady as keeps the Dairy next door, whenever----

[_She finds, with surprise, that her confidences are not encouraged_.

MISS ST. LEGER DE MAYNE (_persuasively to_ MRS. NIBBLER). Do let me show you some of this exquisite work, all embroidered entirely by hand, you see!

MRS. NIBBLER (_edging away_). Lovely--_quite_ lovely; but I think--a--I'll just take a look round before I----

MISS DE M. If there is any _particular_ thing you were looking for, perhaps _I_ could----

MRS. N. (_becoming confidential_). Well, I _did_ think if I could come across a nice _sideboard-cloth_----

MISS DE M. (_to herself_). What on earth's a sideboard-cloth? (_Aloud._) Why, I've the very _thing_! See--all worked in Russian st.i.tch!

MRS. N. (_dubiously_). I thought they were always quite plain. And what's that queer sort of flap-thing for?

MISS DE M. Oh, _that_? That's--a--to cover up the spoons, and forks, and things; quite the latest fas.h.i.+on, _now_, you know.

MRS. N. (_with self-a.s.sertion_). I _have_ noticed it at several dinner parties I've been to in society lately, certainly. Still I am not sure that----

MISS DE M. I always have them on my _own_ sideboard now--my husband won't _hear_ of any others.... Then, I _may_ put this one in paper for you? fifteen-and-sixpence--thanks _so_ much! (_To her colleague, as_ Mrs. N. _departs_). Connie, I've got rid of that awful nightgown case at _last_!

MRS. MAYCUP. A--you _don't_ happen to have a small bag to hold a powder-puff, and so on, you know?

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