I can't help it! I am in the hands of fate. Arrange the table. I cannot help it! [_Tyler and Jane proceed to arrange the table and the seats for supper. Peggy enters quietly._] PEGGY. It is supper time. Oh, what's the matter, Uncle Vere? QUECKETT. Well, in the first place, there are no oysters. PEGGY. I've seen them! QUECKETT. I've gone further--I've tasted them. PEGGY. Bad! QUECKETT. Well, I should describe them as Inland oysters. A long time since they had a fortnight at the seaside. PEGGY. Oh, dear! Then we must fall back on the lark pudding. QUECKETT. You'll injure yourself seriously if you do. PEGGY. Tell me everything. It has not come small? QUECKETT. It has come ridiculously small. PEGGY. It was ordered for eight persons. QUECKETT. Then it is architecturally disproportionate. PEGGY. [_To herself._] Something must be done. [_She runs to the writing-table and begins to write rapidly on three half sheets of paper, folding each into a three-cornered note as she finishes it._] The girls must be warned. [_ Writing._] "For goodness' sake, don't taste the pudding." Poor girls--what an end to a happy day! [_To himself._] Oh, if the members of my family could see me at this moment! I, whose suppers in the Albany were at one time a proverb! Oh, Caroline, Caroline, even you little know the sacrifice I have made for you! PEGGY. [_To Queckett, handing him the notes._] Quick, please, quick--give them these notes. QUECKETT. [_Taking the notes._] What for? PEGGY. Oh, don't ask; you will see the result. QUECKETT. But you mustn't write to people you--! PEGGY. [_Angrily._] Go away! [_He hurries out. Peggy wipes her eyes. _] JANE. Oh, don't be upset, Miss! PEGGY. No, I won't, I won't. But I am only a girl, and the responsibility is very great for such young shoulders. [_There is a murmur of voices outside. Jane and Tyler go out as Rankling enters with Ermyntrude, followed by Reggie with Dinah. Reginald is endeavouring to keep her away from Mallory, who comes after them. Saunders and Gwendoline follow next, and Queckett brings up the rear. There is much talking as Queckett indicates the seats they are to occupy._] PEGGY. [_Quietly to Queckett._] Did you give the girls the notes? QUECKETT. [_Surprised. _] No. PEGGY. Oh! Never mind--I'll whisper to them now. [_She whispers hurriedly to Dinah, Gwendoline, and Ermyntrude._] QUECKETT. [_To himself._] didn't understand they were for the girls. [_He goes to the head of the table as Rankling, Mallory, and Saunders come suddenly together, each carrying a note._] RANKLING. [_To Mallory._] Mallory, we were right--there is some horrible mystery about Queckett. [_Looking to see they are not observed._] I've had an anonymous warning. "For heaven's sake, don't touch the pud--pudding." MALLORY. I know. RANKLING. Tell the boy. [_To Saunders._] MALLORY. I say--don't you say yes to Saunders. MALLORY.