[_Archie runs out by the door on the left. Beatrice walks slowly towards the davenport. Robert remains standing. A short silence. Archie and Bertha come in through the door on the left. Bertha is a young woman of graceful build. She has dark grey eyes, patient in expression, and soft features. Her manner is cordial and selfpossessed. She wears a lavender dress and carries her cream gloves knotted round the handle of her sunshade._] BERTHA. [_Shaking hands._] Good evening, Miss Justice. We thought you were still down in Youghal. BEATRICE. [_Shaking hands._] Good evening, Mrs Rowan. BERTHA. [_Bows._] Good evening, Mr Hand. ROBERT. [_Bowing._] Good evening, _signora!_ Just imagine, I didn’t know either she was back till I found her here. BERTHA. [_To both._] Did you not come together? BEATRICE. No. I came first. Mr Rowan was going out. He said you would be back any moment. BERTHA. I’m sorry. If you had written or sent over word by the girl this morning... BEATRICE. [_Laughs nervously._] I arrived only an hour and a half ago. I thought of sending a telegram but it seemed too tragic. BERTHA. Ah? Only now you arrived? ROBERT. [_Extending his arms, blandly._] I retire from public and private life. Her first cousin and a journalist, I know nothing of her movements. BEATRICE. [_Not directly to him._] My movements are not very interesting. ROBERT. [_In the same tone._] A lady’s movements are always interesting. BERTHA. But sit down, won’t you? You must be very tired. BEATRICE. [_Quickly._] No, not at all. I just came for Archie’s lesson. BERTHA. I wouldn’t hear of such a thing, Miss Justice, after your long journey. ARCHIE. [_Suddenly to Beatrice._] And, besides, you didn’t bring the music. BEATRICE. [_A little confused._] That I forgot. But we have the old piece. ROBERT. [_Pinching Archie’s ear._] You little scamp. You want to get off the lesson. BERTHA. O, never mind the lesson. You must sit down and have a cup of tea now. [_Going towards the door on the right._] I’ll tell Brigid. ARCHIE. I will, mamma. [_He makes a movement to go._] BEATRICE. No, please Mrs Rowan. Archie! I would really prefer... ROBERT. [_Quietly._] I suggest a compromise. Let it be a half-lesson. BERTHA. But she must be exhausted. BEATRICE. [_Quickly._] Not in the least. I was thinking of the lesson in the train. ROBERT. [_To Bertha._] You see what it is to have a conscience, Mrs Rowan. ARCHIE. Of my lesson, Miss Justice? BEATRICE. [_Simply._] It is ten days since I heard the sound of a piano. BERTHA. O, very well. If that is it... ROBERT. [_Nervously, gaily._] Let us have the piano by all means. I know what is in Beatty’s ears at this moment. [_To Beatrice._] Shall I tell? BEATRICE. If you know. ROBERT. The buzz of the harmonium in her father’s parlour. [_To Beatrice._] Confess. BEATRICE. [_Smiling._] Yes. I can hear it. ROBERT. [_Grimly._] So can I. The asthmatic voice of protestantism.