[_Waking._] All right, ma dear--I'll come down directly. [_He raises his head and kisses Gwendoline, then opens his eyes, and looks at her, startled._] Oh, I've been dreaming about my ma! I--I don't know you, do I?
It doesn't matter, Mr. Saunders. You've had such a good sleep. [_She kisses his forehead gently._]
Oh, that's just like my ma! Where are the others?
[_Arranging his curls upon his forehead._] I'll take you to them.
Gwen's short for that, isn't it? [_Rubbing his eyes with his fists, then offering her his arm._] Permit me, Gwen. [_They go out. Queckett, his hair disarranged, his appearance generally wild, immediately enters, followed by Jane and Tyler._]
I can't help it! I am in the hands of fate. Arrange the table. I cannot help it! [_Tyler and Jane proceed to arrange the table and the seats for supper. Peggy enters quietly._]
It is supper time. Oh, what's the matter, Uncle Vere?
Well, in the first place, there are no oysters.
Well, I should describe them as Inland oysters. A long time since they had a fortnight at the seaside.
Oh, dear! Then we must fall back on the lark pudding.
You'll injure yourself seriously if you do.
Tell me everything. It has not come small?
Then it is architecturally disproportionate.
[_To herself._] Something must be done. [_She runs to the writing-table and begins to write rapidly on three half sheets of paper, folding each into a three-cornered note as she finishes it._] The girls must be warned. [_ Writing._] "For goodness' sake, don't taste the pudding." Poor girls--what an end to a happy day! [_To himself._] Oh, if the members of my family could see me at this moment! I, whose suppers in the Albany were at one time a proverb! Oh, Caroline, Caroline, even you little know the sacrifice I have made for you!
[_To Queckett, handing him the notes._] Quick, please, quick--give them these notes.
[_Angrily._] Go away! [_He hurries out. Peggy wipes her eyes. _]
No, I won't, I won't. But I am only a girl, and the responsibility is very great for such young shoulders. [_There is a murmur of voices outside. Jane and Tyler go out as Rankling enters with Ermyntrude, followed by Reggie with Dinah. Reginald is endeavouring to keep her away from Mallory, who comes after them. Saunders and Gwendoline follow next, and Queckett brings up the rear. There is much talking as Queckett indicates the seats they are to occupy._]