BLANCHE. [_Laughing._] Of course! I've dropped my handkerchief.} } [NED _dives under the table for it._ } } MISS SILLERTON. O dear, my fan! } } MISS GODESBY. What a bore! I've dropped a glove! } } [STEINHART _goes under the table for it._ } } CLARA. Both my gloves gone--I'm so sorry! } } [GODESBY _goes under the table for them._ } } MRS. HUNTER. Dick, please, I've dropped my smelling bottle. } [ALL } _together_] [TROTTER _and_ STERLING _go under the table for it._ } } RUTH. My gloves, please, I'm so sorry! } } [MASON _goes under the table for them._ } } [_The speeches of the women are simultaneous, followed } by the movements of the men also, all at the same time._ } BLANCHE. Please don't bother; the servants-- LEONARD, JORDAN _and, two extra men start to hunt under the table, too._ MISS GODESBY. Women ought to have everything they own fastened to them with rubberneck elastics. [_The men, somewhat flustered, all rise with the various articles, and offer them to their respective owners._ [_All the women thank the men profusely, and apologize at the same time._ STERLING _takes_ MRS. HUNTER _out at back, followed by all the other couples, all talking._ RUTH _and_ MASON _lag behind._ RUTH. [_To_ BLANCHE, _who with_ WARDEN _waits for_ RUTH _and_ MASON _to pass._] I want just a minute with Mr. Mason, Blanche. [BLANCHE _and_ WARDEN _pass out before her._ RUTH _is alone with_ MASON. _She speaks as if she were carrying on a conversation that had been interrupted. She speaks in a lowered voice, indicating the private nature of what she has to say._] I sent him imperative word yesterday I must have the bonds. I told him I wanted one to give to his wife for Christmas. He pretends to-day he didn't receive this letter, but he must have. MASON. This makes the third time there has been some excuse for not giving you the bonds? RUTH. Yes, and this letter he says he didn't get was sent to his office by hand. MASON. I'll speak to him before I leave. [_They go out at back._