[_Producing a black-edged pocket-handkerchief and unfolding it._] Poor Macfarlane--and then _this_! [_Blowing his nose._] Upsetting! Upsetting! [_Glancing at_ BERTRAM.] Does Bertram----? LADY FILSON. I've told him. BERTRAM. My dear father, I cannot--I cannot profess to regret my sister's decision. I mean to _say_----! SIR RANDLE. [_Suddenly._] Nor I. [_In an outburst, pacing the room._] Nor I. I _must_ be candid. It's my nature to be candid. A damned tradesman! BERTRAM. Exactly. It shows my sister's delicacy and refinement, I mean t'say. SIR RANDLE. [_To_ LADY FILSON, _halting._] Who, in your opinion, Winnie----? LADY FILSON. _I'm_ inclined to think it's Mr. Delacour. SIR RANDLE. [_Resuming his walk._] So be it. [_Raising his arms._] If I am to lose my child a second time--so be it. BERTRAM. _I_ venture to suggest it may be Edward Trefusis. SIR RANDLE. [_To_ BERTRAM, _halting again._] My dear boy, in a matter of this kind, I fancy we can rely on your mother's wonderful powers of penetration. BERTRAM. [_Bowing._] Pardon, father. LADY FILSON. [_Closing her eyes._] "Mrs. George Delacour." SIR RANDLE. [_Partly closing his eyes and again resuming his walk._] "A marriage is arranged and will shortly take place between George Holmby Delacour, of--of--of----" BERTRAM. [_Closing his eyes._] "90, St. James's Street----" SIR RANDLE. [_Halting and opening his eyes._] One thing I heartily deplore, Winifred---- LADY FILSON. [_Opening her eyes._] What is that, Randle? SIR RANDLE. Ottoline being a widow, there can be no bridesmaids; which deprives us of the happiness of paying a pretty compliment to the daughters of several families of distinction whom we have the privilege of numbering among our acquaintances. LADY FILSON. There can be no bridesmaids, strictly speaking; but a widow may be accompanied to the altar by a bevy of Maids of Honour. SIR RANDLE. Ah, yes! An equally good opportunity for an imposing--[_closing his eyes_] and reverential display! [_To_ LADY FILSON.] Lady Maundrell's girl Sybil, eh, Winnie? LADY FILSON. Decidedly. And Lady Eva Sherringham. BERTRAM. Lady Lilian and Lady Constance Foxe---- SIR RANDLE. Lady Irene Pallant----