MISS GODESBY. [_In a very different tone of voice, influenced by the big price._] Of course, I see it's made of the best material. But it isn't my color. MRS. HUNTER. It's the very latest shade. MISS GODESBY. Yes, I know; but I think as you said a little while ago, perhaps it is a trifle too old for me. MRS. HUNTER. I might let you have it for a little less; say one hundred and eighty. MISS GODESBY. Thank you very much. I'll think it over. MISS SILLERTON. What's the other? CLARA. This is a dinner dress of Jess'. [_Holding it up to her own waist._ MISS SILLERTON. [_Carried away by the dress._] Oh, lovely,--perfectly charming,--an adorable gown! [MISS GODESBY _pulls her arm and tries to make her less enthusiastic._ MISS GODESBY. [_To_ CLARA _and_ MRS. HUNTER.] Excuse me. [_She takes_ MISS SILLERTON _to one side and whispers in her ear._ MISS SILLERTON. [_Aloud._] I can't help it. I'm crazy about the dress! [_Meanwhile_ MRS. HUNTER _and_ TOMPSON _have whispered together._ MRS. HUNTER. They said themselves this was the most successful frock they turned out this autumn. MISS SILLERTON. And how much is _this_ one? MRS. HUNTER. [_Very quickly, trying not to speak consciously._] This was two hundred and seventy-five. [CLARA _bites her lips in surprise and winks visibly to_ TOMPSON, _who gives no sign and is otherwise imperturbable._ MISS SILLERTON. [_To_ MISS GODESBY, _looking hard at her._] My dear, your hat pin is coming out! MISS GODESBY. [_Looking hard at her._] No, it isn't; it's always like that. MISS SILLERTON. [_Going closer to her, whispers._] Which does that mean? I forget! MISS GODESBY. It's a _gouge_! MISS SILLERTON. I can't help it; I can't resist. MISS HUNTER. [_Whispers to_ CLARA.] She's going to take it; I wish I'd asked more. MISS SILLERTON. Mrs. Hunter, I'll _take_ the dinner dress! I'm crazy about it! MRS. HUNTER. I'm glad to have you have it; I'm glad to be able to do you, in a way, a favor. [MARIE _at this moment enters dressed in the most exquisite ball dress of the very latest fashion and looks extremely lovely._ CLARA. Here's mine! I could cry to think I'll never wear it! MARIE. _Voila_, madame! [_A short silence, while the women sit down and drink in the gown._ MISS SILLERTON. [_In a subdued voice of awed admiration._] Beautiful! MISS GODESBY. Great! TROTTER. [_To_ MISS GODESBY.] _I'm_ stuck on the _girl_; introduce me. She's out of sight! [MRS. HUNTER _sighs long and loud,--a sigh of appreciation and admiration._ MARIE _stands in the centre of the stage facing the audience._ MISS GODESBY. May we see her back? CLARA. Her _entire_ back, if she turns around! MRS. HUNTER. Turn around, Marie. MARIE. _Oui_, madame. [_She turns her back--the dress is cut extremely in the back._ MISS SILLERTON. Oh! MISS GODESBY. Rather! MRS. HUNTER. The way everything is made this year. MISS GODESBY. I'm afraid my back is rather full of bones.