_Through the growing noise of voices and laughter,_ CYNTHIA'S _voice is heard._ SIR WILFRID _is seen in the outer hall. He is burdened with wraps, not to mention a newspaper and parasol, which in no wise check his flow of gay remarks to_ CYNTHIA, _who is still outside._ CYNTHIA'S _voice, and now_ MATTHEW'S, _reach those inside, and, at last, both join_ SIR WILFRID, _who has turned at the door to wait for them. As she reaches the door_, CYNTHIA _turns and speaks to_ MATTHEW, _who immediately follows her. She is in automobile attire, wearing goggles, a veil, and an exquisite duster of latest Paris style. They come in with a subdued bustle and noise. As their eyes light on_ CYNTHIA, SUDLEY _and_ MISS HENEAGE _exclaim, and there is a general movement._ SUDLEY. 'Pon my word! GRACE. Hah! MISS HENEAGE. [_Bristling up to her feet, her sensibilities outraged._] Shocking! GRACE _remains standing above sofa._ SUDLEY _moves toward her_, MISS HENEAGE _sitting down again._ MRS. PHILLIMORE _reclines on sofa._ CYNTHIA _begins to speak as soon as she appears and speaks fluently to the end._ CYNTHIA. No! I never was so surprised in my life, as when I strolled into the paddock and they gave me a rousing reception--old Jimmy Withers, Debt Gollup, Jack Deal, Monty Spiffles, the Governor and Buckeye. All of my old admirers! They simply fell on my neck, and, dear Matthew, what do you think I did? I turned on the water main! [_There are movements and murmurs of disapprobation from the family._ MATTHEW _indicates a desire to go._] Oh, but you can't go! MATTHEW. I'll return in no time! CYNTHIA. I'm all ready to be married. Are they ready? [MATTHEW _waves a pious, polite gesture of recognition to the family._] I beg everybody's pardon! [_Taking off her wrap and putting it on the back of a chair._] My goggles are so dusty, I can't see who's who! [_To_ SIR WILFRID.] Thanks! You _have_ carried it well! [_She takes the parasol from_ SIR WILFRID. SIR WILFRID. [_Aside to_ CYNTHIA.] When may I--? CYNTHIA. See you next Goodwood! SIR WILFRID. [_Imperturbably._] Oh, I'm coming back! CYNTHIA. [_Advancing a bit toward the family._] Not a bit of use in coming back! I shall be married before you get here! Ta! Ta! Goodwood! SIR WILFRID. [_Not in the least affected._] I'm coming back. [_He goes out quickly. There are more murmurs of disapprobation from the family. There is a slight pause._ CYNTHIA. [_Beginning to take off her goggles, and moving nearer "the family."_] I do awfully apologize for being so late! MISS HENEAGE. [_Importantly._] Mrs. Karslake-- SUDLEY. [_Importantly._] Ahem! [CYNTHIA _lays down goggles, and sees their severity._ CYNTHIA. Dear me! [_Surveying the flowers and for a moment speechless._] Oh, good heavens! Why, it looks like a smart funeral!