THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [_again referring to the letter_]. No—in Ohio. DR. FREEMANTLE. Seems to have been a somewhat scattered family. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. People go about so much nowadays. _Mrs. Bennet has entered_. _She is the housekeeper_. MRS. BENNET [_she is about to speak to the Misses Wetherell_; _sees the Doctor_]. Good afternoon, doctor. DR. FREEMANTLE. Afternoon, Mrs. Bennet. MRS. BENNET [_she turns to the Misses Wetherell_, _her watch in her hand_]. I was thinking of having the fire lighted in her ladyship’s bedroom. It is half past six. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. You are always so thoughtful. She may be tired. MRS. BENNET. If so, everything will be quite ready. [_She goes out_, _closing door_.] DR. FREEMANTLE. What do they think about it all—the Bennets? You have told them? THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. We thought it better. You see, one hardly regards them as servants. They have been in the family so long. Three generations of them. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Really, since our poor dear brother’s death, Bennet has been more like the head of the house than the butler. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Of course, he doesn’t say much. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. It is her having been on the stage that they feel so. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. You see, they have always been a religious family. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Do you know, I really think they feel it more than we do. I found Peggy crying about it yesterday, in the scullery. DR. FREEMANTLE [_he has been listening with a touch of amusement_.] Peggy Bennet? THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Yes. _Charles_ Bennet’s daughter. DR. FREEMANTLE. Happen to have a servant about the place who isn’t a Bennet? THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. No, no, I don’t really think we have. Oh, yes—that new girl Mrs. Bennet engaged last week for the dairy. What is her name? THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Arnold. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Ah, yes, Arnold. DR. FREEMANTLE. Ah! THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. I think she’s a cousin, dear. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Only a second cousin. DR. FREEMANTLE. Um! Well I should tell the whole family to buck up. Seems to me, from what you tell me, that their master is bringing them home a treasure. [_He shakes hands briskly with the ladies_.] May look in again to-morrow. Don’t forget—one page Marcus Aurelius before breakfast—in case of need. [_He goes out_.] _The sun has sunk_. _The light is twilight_. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. He always cheers one up. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. He’s so alive. [_Mrs. Bennet comes in from the dressing-room_. _She leaves the door ajar_. _The sound of a hammer is heard_. _It ceases almost immediately_.] Oh, Mrs. Bennet, we were going to ask you—who is to be her ladyship’s maid? Have you decided yet? MRS. BENNET. I have come to the conclusion—looking at the thing from every point of view—that Jane would be the best selection. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Jane!