_(Hiding embarrassment behind brusqueness.)_ I've suddenly recollected something. I'm in a hurry. Please excuse me, Mrs. Eppingwell. _(Freda starts at mention of name.)_ MRS. EPPINGWELL _(Reproachfully.)_ And you promised to take me in to supper. VANDERLIP Of course, of course. And I will. I'll come back. MRS. EPPINGWELL I'd rather you didn't go--Floyd. The next dance _(Looking at his card.)_ is ours. It will begin in a minute. _(Vanderlip does not know what to say. Freda urges him to continue toward door by tugging privily on his arm. Also she glances apprehensively at Mrs. McFee, who, with a set expression on face, has drawn nearer.)_ VANDERLIP _(Hesitatingly.)_ Really, Mrs. Eppingwell, I-- FREDA _(Interrupting, urging him by arm to start toward door.)_ We'll be late. We must go. _(Vanderlip half starts to go with her toward door.)_ MRS. EPPINGWELL _(To Freda.)_ I beg pardon, but you scarcely understand. FREDA _(Sharply, overwrought nervously.)_ It would be better, Mrs. Eppingwell, did your husband understand as well as I. _(Mrs. Eppingwell is visibly hurt, and for the moment shocked into silence.)_ VANDERLIP Now, look here, I'm not going to have any quarrelling between you women. MRS. EPPINGWELL _(With sudden suspicion, ignoring Vanderlip.)_ Who are you? FREDA _(Coldly.)_ One whose existence would scarcely interest you, Mrs. Eppingwell. VANDERLIP _(Whose efforts to make peace are ignored.)_ Oh, I say-- _(Mrs. McFee has drawn nearer. Everybody on stage is interested.)_ Mrs. Eppingwell I have the right to know. FREDA _(Scathingly.)_ As custodian of the community's morals? MRS. EPPINGWELL And why not? FREDA _(Mockingly.)_ Ah, and why not? MRS. EPPINGWELL _(With energy, but coolly and collectedly.)_ You have the advantage. You know who I am. Who are you? I demand to know. _(Freda laughs lightly and mockingly.)_ MRS. McFEE _(Entering group with a very determined air and pausing an instant.)_ We'll settle that, Mrs. Eppingwell. _(Mrs. McFee suddenly springs upon Freda, tearing mask jrom face. Freda is startled and frightened. Vanderlip, the situation beyond him, stares helplessly back and forth between Freda and Mrs. Eppingwell. Everybody on the stage stares at Freda, forming a wide and irregular circle of onlookers, who are too polite to crowd closer, but who, nevertheless, cannot resist staring, one and all, from a distance.)_ MRS. MCFEE _(Sarcastically, shrilly.)_ Mrs. Eppingwell, it is with great pleasure I make you acquainted with Freda Moloof--Miss Freda Moloof, as I understand. _(Mrs. Eppingwell makes a gesture to silence Mrs. McFee, who pauses for a moment.)_ Mayhap you dinna know the lady. Let me tell you-- VANDERLIP _(Interrupting.)_ Now, here, I say, what's the good-- MRS. McFEE _(Interrupting, and withering him with a look.)_ Child of Perdition! _(She continues.)_