LORD J. (_has shaken hands with_ FARNBOROUGH _and speaks through the torrent_). Now they'll tell each other for ten minutes that she's an hour earlier than we expected. (LORD JOHN _leads_ FARNBOROUGH _towards the garden._) FARN. The Freddy Tunbridges said _they_ were coming to you this week. LORD J. Yes, they're dawdling through the park with the Church Brigade. FARN. Oh! (_With a glance back at_ JEAN.) I'll go and meet them. [_Exit_ FARNBOROUGH. LORD J. (_as he turns back_). That discreet young man will get on. LADY JOHN (_to_ JEAN). But _how_ did you get here? JEAN (_breathless_). "He" motored me down. LADY JOHN. Geoffrey Stonor? (JEAN _nods_.) Why, where is he, then? JEAN. He dropped me at the end of the avenue and went on to see a supporter about something. LORD J. You let him go off like that without---- LADY JOHN (_taking_ JEAN'S _two hands_). Just tell me, my child, is it all right? JEAN. My engagement? (_Radiantly._) Yes, absolutely. LADY JOHN. Geoffrey Stonor isn't going to be--a little too old for you? JEAN (_laughing_). Bless me, am I such a chicken? LADY JOHN. Twenty-four used not to be so young--but it's become so. JEAN. Yes, we don't grow up so quick. (_Gaily._) But on the other hand we _stay_ up longer. LORD J. You've got what's vulgarly called "looks," my dear, and that will help to _keep_ you up! JEAN (_smiling_). I know what Uncle John's thinking. But I'm not the only girl who's been left "what's vulgarly called" money. LORD J. You're the only one of our immediate circle who's been left so beautifully much. JEAN. Ah, but remember Geoffrey could--everybody _knows_ he could have married any one in England. LADY JOHN (_faintly ironic_). I'm afraid everybody does know it--not excepting Mr. Stonor. LORD J. Well, how spoilt is the great man? JEAN. Not the least little bit in the world. You'll see! He so wants to know my best-beloved relations better. (_Another embrace._) An orphan has so few belongings, she has to make the most of them. LORD J. (_smiling_). Let us hope he'll approve of us on more intimate acquaintance. JEAN (_firmly_). He will. He's an angel. Why, he gets on with my grandfather! LADY JOHN. _Does_ he? (_Teasing._) You mean to say Mr. Geoffrey Stonor isn't just a tiny bit--"superior" about Dissenters. JEAN (_stoutly_). Not half as much as Uncle John and all the rest of you! My grandfather's been ill again, you know, and rather difficult--bless him! (_Radiantly._) But Geoffrey---- (_Clasps her hands._) LADY JOHN. He must have powers of persuasion!--to get that old Covenanter to let you come in an abhorred motor-car--on Sunday, too! JEAN (_half whispering_). Grandfather didn't know! LADY JOHN. Didn't know? JEAN. I honestly meant to come by train. Geoffrey met me on my way to the station. We had the most glorious run. Oh, Aunt Ellen, we're so happy! (_Embracing her._) I've so looked forward to having you to myself the whole day just to talk to you about----