The STALL-KEEPER (_in a dismayed whisper_). Ssh! Not _quite_ so loud! There--just opposite--petunia bow in her bonnet--selling kittens. The L. O. L. (_planting herself on a chair_). So _that's_ her! Well, she _is_ dressed plain--for a Royalty--but looks _pleasant_ enough. I wouldn't mind taking one o' them kittens off her Royal 'Ighness myself, if they was going at all reasonable. But there, I expect, the cats _'ere_ is meat for my masters, so to speak; and you see, my dear, 'aving the promise of a tortoise-shell Tom from the lady as keeps the Dairy next door, whenever---- [_She finds, with surprise, that her confidences are not encouraged_. MISS ST. LEGER DE MAYNE (_persuasively to_ MRS. NIBBLER). Do let me show you some of this exquisite work, all embroidered entirely by hand, you see! MRS. NIBBLER (_edging away_). Lovely--_quite_ lovely; but I think--a--I'll just take a look round before I---- MISS DE M. If there is any _particular_ thing you were looking for, perhaps _I_ could---- MRS. N. (_becoming confidential_). Well, I _did_ think if I could come across a nice _sideboard-cloth_---- MISS DE M. (_to herself_). What on earth's a sideboard-cloth? (_Aloud._) Why, I've the very _thing_! See--all worked in Russian stitch! MRS. N. (_dubiously_). I thought they were always quite plain. And what's that queer sort of flap-thing for? MISS DE M. Oh, _that_? That's--a--to cover up the spoons, and forks, and things; quite the latest fashion, _now_, you know. MRS. N. (_with self-assertion_). I _have_ noticed it at several dinner parties I've been to in society lately, certainly. Still I am not sure that---- MISS DE M. I always have them on my _own_ sideboard now--my husband won't _hear_ of any others.... Then, I _may_ put this one in paper for you? fifteen-and-sixpence--thanks _so_ much! (_To her colleague, as_ Mrs. N. _departs_). Connie, I've got rid of that awful nightgown case at _last_! MRS. MAYCUP. A--you _don't_ happen to have a small bag to hold a powder-puff, and so on, you know? MISS DE M. I _had_ some very pretty ones; but I'm afraid they're all--oh, no, there's just _one_ left--crimson velvet and real _passementerie_. (_She produces a bag_). Too trotty for words, isn't it? MRS. MAYCUP (_tacitly admitting its trottiness_). But then--that sort of purse shape----Could I get a small pair of folding curling-irons into it, should you think, at a pinch? MISS DE M. You could get _anything_ into it--at a pinch. I've one myself which will hold--well, I can't tell you what it _won't_ hold! Half-a-guinea--so _many_ thanks! (_To herself, as_ MRS. MAYCUP _carries off her_ _bag_.) What _would_ the vicar's wife say if she knew I'd sold her church collection bag for _that_! But it's all in a good cause! (_An_ ELDERLY LADY _comes up_.) May I show you some of these----?