[_They go out Left and at the same time the_ SERVANT _enters from the archway at back Centre carrying some fire logs in his arms. This_ SERVANT _speaks with a slight French accent. As he reaches the house,_ WARDEN _stops him with a question, and the_ GODESBYS' _sleigh-bells start up and quickly die away. The sun begins to set._ WARDEN Have you an empty sitting room? SERVANT. Yes, sair. WARDEN Warm? SERVANT. I will soon arrange a fire. WARDEN I wish you would, please. SERVANT. Ze big room for ze breakfast is altogether ready and warm; you will be able to go in there now. WARDEN. No, that wouldn't do. It's all right out here for _me_, only I am expecting a lady. [_Sleigh-bells are heard in the distance, coming quickly nearer._ SERVANT. Yes, sair. WARDEN. I hear a sleigh coming. If a lady is in it, ask if her name is Mrs. Sterling, and if she says yes, tell her Mr. Warden is here and would like to speak with her a moment before she goes in to Mrs.-- [_He hesitates a second._ SERVANT. Trottair? WARDEN. Yes. SERVANT. Yes, sair. [_He goes into the house._ [_The sun grows red, and the colors of sunset creep over the sky during the scene which follows. After a moment the_ SERVANT _shows_ BLANCHE _out from the house._ BLANCHE. [_Surprised and depressed._] Good morning, Mr. Warden, have you been asked to these funeral baked meats? WARDEN. No, I'll explain why I am here in a few minutes. Only let me ask you first when you last saw your husband? BLANCHE. Early this morning. WARDEN. And you have come just now from where? BLANCHE. Aunt Ruth's. Of course you know about my mother? When I heard it I started to come here, but my heart failed me and I turned back to my aunt's. She has persuaded me that I ought to come and put the best face on the matter possible, but it seems as if I'd had now a little more than I _can_ bear! [_Her voice breaks and her eyes fill with tears._ WARDEN. [_Almost tenderly._] Shall we go inside? BLANCHE. No, no! Let us stay out in the air; my head would burst in one of these close little rooms. Have you seen mother? WARDEN. No, not yet. BLANCHE. Where is Dick? Did he go to Ryder's? WARDEN. No, but I have some good news to tell you all the same--Ryder has promised silence. BLANCHE. [_With tremendous relief._] Oh! that's too good, too good to be true! To whom did he promise? WARDEN. I want you not to ask me that. BLANCHE. I can guess, it was-- WARDEN. [_Lying._] No, it was--_Mason_. BLANCHE. [_Doubting him._] Mr. Mason? WARDEN. And I've more good news for you, Mrs. Sterling--the _Godesbys_, too; _they_ will be silent. BLANCHE. You're sure? WARDEN. We have their word! BLANCHE. [_Pointedly._] Mr. Mason again?-- [WARDEN _bows his head in assent._] He was _here_? WARDEN. Some time ago, but only for a minute. He didn't stay; he went to find your husband.