[_There is an awkward pause for a moment, no one knowing quite what to say. Both_ MISS GODESBY _and_ MISS SILLERTON _have started the conversation in the direction of clothing and are fearful of the topic being changed. As the pause becomes embarrassing, they look helplessly from one to the other, and all five, suddenly and at once, make an ineffectual effort to say something--or nothing. Out of the general confusion_ MRS. HUNTER _comes to the front, mistress of the situation._] Are you going to stay in New York this winter, Mr. Trotter? TROTTER. Yes, I'm negotiating for one of the biggest classy building plots on upper Fifth Avenue. CLARA. [_To_ MISS GODESBY.] I saw in the papers you were at the dance last night. [MISS GODESBY _nods and motions surreptitiously to_ TROTTER _to go. He, however, doesn't understand._ MRS. HUNTER. [_With interest again in life._] Oh, _were you?_ What did you wear? MISS GODESBY. Oh, dowdy old things. I haven't bought my winter frocks yet. [_She repeats this casually as if to herself._ [MISS SILLERTON _motions to_ TROTTER _to go, but he has forgotten and still doesn't understand._ TROTTER. What? MISS GODESBY. You warned us not to let you forget your engagement! TROTTER. What engagement? MISS SILLERTON. How do we know! we only know you said you _had_ to go! TROTTER. Never said so! Oh! [_As it dawns upon him._] Oh, yes! of course. [_He rises._] Very sorry--must be off. Only dropped in--er--that is, came in to express my respectful sympathy. [_Shaking hands with_ MRS. HUNTER. MRS. HUNTER. [_Who rises._] I hope you will come and see us again. CLARA. Do! It'll be a godsend! We'll be dull as ditchwater here this winter! TROTTER. I shall be delighted to call again. Good-by. [_He bows to Clara. In his embarrassment he starts to shake hands all over again, but, realizing his mistake, laughs nervously._] Oh, I have already. MISS SILLERTON. Good-by, Trotter. MISS GODESBY. Don't forget we're booked with you at Sherry's. TROTTER. Whose treat? MISS GODESBY. Oh! _Yours_, of course-- TROTTER. I say, why can't I stay? I won't interfere. MRS. HUNTER. Oh, do stay, Mr. Trotter! MISS GODESBY. Oh, do stay! [_Suggesting by her tone that he mustn't dare to remain._ CLARA. Good! [TROTTER _remains, and they all settle themselves again for a long stay._ MRS. HUNTER. By the way, you were speaking just now of your winter frocks. It occurs to me--of course I don't know as I really want to dispose of them, but--er-- [_She hesitates purposely._ MISS GODESBY. Oh, _would_ you? [_Rising, she takes a chair nearer to_ MRS. HUNTER.] You _dear_ thing! MRS. HUNTER. The dresses are no use to us now, and when _we're_ out of mourning--_they'll_ be out of style. You could wear Jess' things perfectly, Julia. MISS SILLERTON. And even something of yours could be made over for us. MRS. HUNTER. But I'm so much older than you! MISS SILLERTON. [_Thoughtlessly._] Yes, but you never dress appropriately to your age.