[_Tramps to and fro impatiently._ MRS. CLOUSTON Really, Janet, I can’t think what’s the matter with you. Do sit down and try and exercise some selfcontrol. JANET I’ve no self-control where these Brendon people are concerned. They get on my nerves, every one of them.... Where’s Johnny? MRS. DE MULLIN In the garden, I think, JANET Sensible boy! He’s had enough of visitors for one day, I’ll be bound. I’ll go out and join him. [_Goes out angrily._ MRS. CLOUSTON I can’t think what’s come to Janet the last day or two. Her temper gets worse and worse. MRS. DE MULLIN Perhaps it’s only the hot weather. No De Mullin--- MRS. CLOUSTON Nonsense, Jane, don’t be foolish. We can’t have _Janet_ giving way to that sort of thing at her age. MRS. DE MULLIN I’m afraid she is rather irritable just now. She flew out quite savagely at Hester to-day just after luncheon. MRS. CLOUSTON Why was that? MRS. DE MULLIN Because of something she had been teaching Johnny. The Athanasian Creed I think it was. Yes, it must have been that because Johnny asked Janet what was meant by three Incomprehensibles. Janet asked him where he had heard all that and Johnny said Aunt Hester had taught it to him. Janet was very angry and forbade Hester ever to teach him anything again. Hester was quite hurt about it. MRS. CLOUSTON Naturally. Still, I do think Hester might have chosen something else to teach him. MRS. DE MULLIN That was what Janet said. MRS. CLOUSTON But that’s no reason why she shouldn’t behave herself when visitors are here. She was quite rude to Mrs. Bulstead. What they think of her in London when she goes on like this I can’t imagine. MRS. DE MULLIN Perhaps she isn’t like this in London. MRS. CLOUSTON Of course she is, Jane. Worse. Here she has the restraining influences of home life. Whereas in London, living alone as she does... MRS. DE MULLIN She has Johnny. MRS. CLOUSTON She has Johnny, of course. But that’s not enough. She ought to have a husband to look after her. MRS. DE MULLIN _(sighs)_ Yes. [_Seats herself slowly beside her sister._ MRS. CLOUSTON Where’s Hester? MRS. DE MULLIN At church, I expect. MRS. CLOUSTON Church! Why the girl’s always at church. MRS. DE MULLIN It’s a Wednesday. And it does no harm, I think. MRS. CLOUSTON Let us hope not, Jane. [_De Mullin enters by the door on the left. He has evidently got over his recent attack and looks comparatively hale and vigorous._ MRS. DE MULLIN Have you had your nap, Hugo? DE MULLIN Yes. The sunset woke me, I suppose. It was shining full on my face. MRS. DE MULLIN What a pity it woke you. DE MULLIN It didn’t matter. I’ve slept enough... _(wanders towards sofa, c.)_. Where’s Johnny? MRS. DE MULLIN In the garden, I think, with Janet. DE MULLIN _(wanders to window, c., and looks out)_