VIDA _comes in slowly, with the air of a spoiled beauty. She stops just inside the door and speaks in a very casual manner. Her voice is languorous and caressing. She is dressed in the excess of the French fashion and carries a daring parasol. She smiles and comes in, undulating, to the middle of the room. Tableau._ THOMAS _withdraws._ VIDA. How do you do, Philip. [_After a pause._] Don't tell me I'm a surprise! I had you called up on the 'phone and I sent up my card--and, besides, Philip dear, when you have the--the--habit of the house, as unfortunately I have, you can't treat yourself like a stranger in a strange land. At least, I can't--so here I am. My reason for coming was to ask you about that B. & O. stock we hold in common. [_To_ MATTHEW, _condescendingly, the clergy being a class of unfortunates debarred by profession from the pleasures of the world._] How do you do? [_Pause. She then goes to the real reason of her visit._] Do be polite and present me to your wife-to-be. PHILIP. [_Awkwardly._] Cynthia-- CYNTHIA. [_Cheerfully, with dash, putting the table between_ VIDA _and herself._] We're delighted to see you, Mrs. Phillimore. I needn't ask you to make yourself at home, but will you have a cup of tea? [MATTHEW _sits near the little table._ VIDA. [_To_ PHILIP.] My dear, she's not in the least what I expected. I heard she was a dove! She's a very dashing kind of a dove! [_To_ CYNTHIA, _who moves to the tea-table._] My dear, I'm paying you compliments. Five lumps and quantities of cream. I find single life very thinning. [_To_ PHILIP, _calm and ready to be agreeable to any man._] And how well you're looking! It must be the absence of matrimonial cares--or is it a new angel in the house? CYNTHIA. [_Outraged at_ VIDA'S _intrusion, but polite though delicately sarcastic._] It's most amusing to sit in your place. And how at home you must feel here in this house where you have made so much trouble--I mean tea. [_Rises._] Do you know it would be in much better taste if you would take the place you're accustomed to? VIDA. [_As calm as before._] My dear, I'm an intruder only for a moment; I sha'n't give you a chance to score off me again! But I must thank you, dear Philip, for rendering that decision in my favour-- PHILIP. I assure you-- Vida. [_Unable to resist a thrust._] Of course, you would like to have rendered it against me. It was your wonderful sense of justice, and that's why I'm so grateful--if not to you, to your Maker! PHILIP. [_Feels that this is no place for his future wife. Rises quickly. To_ CYNTHIA.] Cynthia, I would prefer that you left us. [MATTHEW _moves to the sofa and sits down._ CYNTHIA. [_Determined not to leave the field first, remains seated._] Certainly, Philip! PHILIP. I expect another visitor who--