I know nothing about telegrams. I've just overheard Julian talking solemnly to Brooke. Do you know what your husband intends to do?
Bother his vegetables! He resigns his place in the Ministry.
The same thing. [To herself.] Ah, why can't he wait!
Katherine, I have been telling Brooke of the change in his prospects.
Wait till the boy can patch up his future with a wealthy wife, of course.
Really, Dora, I don't think it would be absolutely fair----
Fair! People's actions are like their heads of hair--they can be dyed flaxen. [To BROOKE.] Boy, why do you let the grass grow under your pumps in this way?
I haven't let the grass grow, Aunt Dora. I--ah--I have the happiness to be engaged--what!
Euphemia! Why, how dare you conspire to entrap a child of mine into a moneyless marriage?
If I may be guilty of such an expression--fall-lall!
Hold your tongue, sir! Ah, I believe you all have abominable motives!
[To herself.] The telegram! The telegram! Why is there no telegram?
[The music of the Strathspey is heard. IMOGEN enters with LADY EUPHEMIA.]
[LADY EUPHEMIA joins the others. IMOGEN goes to LADY TWOMBLEY in agitation.]
I'm engaged to dance it with Sir Colin. Oh, mamma, I don't love him!
Child, you loved him the other night while your head was being washed.
I didn't see clearly then--the egg-julep was in my eyes. But now Lady Macphail is running after me, from one room to another, because she declares I must fulfil the destiny of a Macphail's betrothed and lead the Strathspey by his side. But I won't dance a deception before a room full of people!
Imogen, there is nothing for you but this marriage or contemptible, cleanly poverty.
Child, you are young to be told these things--but what do you think is likely to happen to pa and me?
In all probability we shall grow our own vegetables.
_For_ dinner. And, oh, Imogen, have pity on your mother! I can face contemptible, cleanly poverty with pa alone, but if I see my innocent chicks sharing our miseries every cabbage in our garden will grow up with a broken heart!
[She embraces IMOGEN. LADY MACPHAIL enters with MACPHAIL.]
Miss Twombley, Lord Drumdurris's guests are politely waiting till you are pleased to lead the Strathspey with the Macphail.
[To herself.] No telegram from town. [To IMOGEN.] Imogen, you had better not lose your dance.