PATRICIA _is immediately interested in her and in the constrained attitude of the others_. MISS STANNARD _slowly comes to_ MRS. FROWDE, _bowing graciously, as she passes, to the others, who return it with sickly smiles, exchanging secret looks of surprise and indignation_. MRS. FROWDE _in her obvious embarrassment, instead of offering her hand, proffers the tea-cup, which_ MISS STANNARD _smilingly declines_. THE BLUE ONE, _with rare presence of mind, coughs, and the others all laugh nervously, as though to cover the silence which has ensued_. PATRICIA _slowly sits again, with_ SILVERTON _standing by her chair, intensely interested and curious_.) MISS STANNARD (_Sweetly_) I had no idea, Mrs. Frowde, you were receiving formally to-day. MRS. FROWDE (_Constrained throughout_) I only sent out a few special cards to meet Miss Tenner. But now that you’ve come, let me present you to her. Miss Stannard. PATRICIA (_More cordial than ever_) Miss _Eva_ Stannard? (_Miss Stannard nods._) Oh; I’m indeed glad to meet you. MISS STANNARD (_Formally and a bit puzzled_) Thanks. MRS. FROWDE You know the others? MISS STANNARD (_Cordially_) Oh, yes---- (_The others laugh a little nervously, nod mechanically, with ill-concealed rudeness._) MRS. FROWDE (_Nervously_) _Do_ have another cup of tea. (_Pause._) What lovely weather we are having! (_They all agree._) I almost hate to go to Florida this winter; but it saves fuel. (MISS STANNARD _declines again and_ SILVERTON _takes the cup from_ MRS. FROWDE _to the table, returning to_ PATRICIA. _There is another embarrassing silence in which they all look at one another. Finally_ THE BROWN ONE _comes to say good-bye to_ MRS. FROWDE, _whose discomfort increases throughout_.) Must you really go so soon? THE BROWN ONE (_Pointedly_) Yes; I--I had expected to stay longer, but I’ve just remembered a most important engagement. THE BLUE ONE Can’t I drop you on the way? My car’s waiting. MRS. FROWDE (_Distressed_) Must you, too? But Mr. Silverton has promised to play again. SILVERTON (_Significantly_) An improvisation--prompted by the occasion. THE BLUE ONE I’m to hear it Thursday--remember. (_As_ THE BLUE ONE _and_ THE BROWN ONE _say good-bye to_ MISS STANNARD, THE GREEN ONE _goes to_ MRS. FROWDE. MISS STANNARD _being left alone, shows her struggle at self-control and sits in a chair unasked_. THE BROWN ONE _and_ THE BLUE ONE _with heads together go out the upper opening_.) THE GREEN ONE It’s getting late. I’ve had such a pleasant afternoon. You won’t forget bridge next Monday? (MRS. FROWDE _responds limply and as_ THE GREEN ONE _turns_, MISS STANNARD _rises and halts her with a look_.) MISS STANNARD Good afternoon. MRS. FROWDE Must you? THE GREEN ONE