VIDA. [_With flattering insistence, to_ CYNTHIA.] Oh, my dear--don't go! The truth is--I came to see you! I feel most cordially towards you--and really, you know, people in our position should meet on cordial terms. CYNTHIA. [_Taking it with apparent calm, but pointing her remarks._] Naturally. If people in our position couldn't meet, New York society would soon come to an end. [THOMAS _comes in._ VIDA. [_Calm, but getting her knife in too._] Precisely. Society's no bigger than a band-box. Why, it's only a moment ago I saw Mr. Karslake walking-- CYNTHIA. Ah! THOMAS. [_Announcing clearly. Everyone changes place, in consternation, amusement or surprise._ CYNTHIA _moves to leave the room, but stops for fear of attracting_ KARSLAKE'S _attention._] Mr. John Karslake! _Enter_ KARSLAKE. _He is a powerful, generous personality, a man of affairs, breezy, gay and careless. He gives the impression of being game for any fate in store for him. His clothes indicate sporting propensities and his taste in waistcoats and ties is brilliant._ KARSLAKE _sees first_ PHILIP _and then_ MATTHEW. THOMAS _goes out._ PHILIP. How do you do? JOHN. [_Very gay and no respecter of persons._] Good-afternoon, Mr. Phillimore. Hello--here's the church! [_Crossing to_ MATTHEW _and shaking hands. He slaps him on the back._] I hadn't the least idea--how are you? By George, your reverence, that was a racy sermon of yours on Divorce! What was your text? [_Sees_ VIDA _and bows, very politely._] Galatians 4:2, "The more the merrier," or "Who next?" [_Smiles._] As the whale said after Jonah! [CYNTHIA _makes a sudden movement, upsetting her tea-cup._ JOHN _faces about quickly and they face each other._ JOHN _gives a frank start. A pause holds them._ JOHN. [_Astounded, in a low voice._] Mrs. Karslake-- [_Bowing._] I was not aware of the pleasure in store for me. I understood you were in the country. [_Recovering and moving to her chair._] Perhaps you'll be good enough to make me a cup of tea?--that is if the teapot wasn't lost in the scrimmage. [_There is another pause._ CYNTHIA, _determined to equal him in coolness, returns to the tea-tray._] Mr. Phillimore, I came to get your signature in that matter of Cox _vs._ Keely. PHILIP. I shall be at your service, but pray be seated. [_He indicates a chair by the tea-table._ JOHN. [_Sitting beyond but not far from the tea-table._] And I also understood you to say you wanted a saddle-horse. PHILIP. You have a mare called--eh--"Cynthia K?" JOHN. [_Promptly._] Yes--she's not for sale. PHILIP. Oh, but she's just the mare I had set my mind on. JOHN. [_With a touch of humour._] You want her for yourself? PHILIP. [_A little flustered._] I--eh--I sometimes ride. JOHN. [_Now sure of himself._] She's rather lively for you, Judge. Mrs. Karslake used to ride her. PHILIP. You don't care to sell her to me?