_The COMPANY move about the two rooms, the MEN handing refreshments to the WOMEN--they ALL come more forward._ LESLIE. What do you think--? I lost the 8.15 this morning! CHARLEY. Should have thought it would have waited for you. LESLIE. I left the house at the usual time and there was a confounded woman at the station with about five trunks and a paper parcel, who took up the whole doorway. _Much laughing from SYBIL and an encouraging smile from LILY._ By the time I got over the train was gone. Never did such a thing in my life before. LILY. _You_ haven't sung to us, Charley, dear. MAGGIE. He's tired. LILY. Not too tired for that, are you? SYBIL. Oh, do, Mr. Wilson, I know you sing splendidly. Per-- Mr. Massey told me so. PERCY. S'sh! don't give me away--he's my brother-in-law. CHARLEY. Not to-night, Lil--I--I'm a little hoarse. LILY. That's being out in the garden at all hours. LESLIE. Don't say that, Mrs. Wilson. Your husband wants to go as a farmer in the Colonies--and you'll discourage him. LILY. You silly man, Mr. Leslie. [_To CHARLEY._] You must have something hot when you go to bed, dear. LESLIE. I love being a little ill. My wife's an awfully good nurse. SYBIL. I believe you put it on sometimes, Mr. Leslie. LESLIE. Well, do you know--I believe I do. Ladies won't put their pretty fingers round your neck for nothing. But if you have a little hoarseness--not too much to be really unpleasant--or a headache is a very good thing--it is delightful--I always say to myself: "O woman--in our hours of ease-- Uncertain, coy and hard to please, When pain and anguish wring the brow, A ministering angel thou." LILY. We ought to have "Auld Lang Syne"-- TENNANT. Please don't. LILY. It would be so nice for you to remember. [_Going up L._] Yes, we must. Come. [_She puts out her hands and makes them ALL form a ring, with hands crossed and all round table._] _TENNANT and CHARLEY join most reluctantly and are not seen to sing a note._ There! That's better. SYBIL. Now I must go, Mrs. Wilson. LILY. Must you really? Come and get your things. _They go out._ _A tapping is heard at the window in the near room--MAGGIE runs and opens it._ VOICE. Is my husband there, Mrs. Wilson? LESLIE. Y--es. I'm here. Coming, darling. _SYBIL and LILY re-enter R._ LESLIE. My wife has sent for me home, Mrs. Wilson. MAGGIE. Are you going over the wall? SYBIL. Oh, do, Mr. Leslie--I should love to see you. LESLIE. If it will give you any pleasure it shall be done, though I am not at my best on the fence. _They all crowd round--he shakes hands, smiling profusely, and disappears through the window._ VOICE. Mind the flower-pot. No--not there--that's the dustbin. Not the steps. _There is a great shout to announce his safe arrival._ LESLIE. Safe! SYBIL. I do think he is so funny! LILY. Yes, isn't he? Are you going by 'bus? PERCY. _I'm_ going Miss Frost's way. SYBIL. [_much surprised._] Are you really?