VERNON [_hastily_]. We will have her history some other time.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [_who understands_, _signs to her sister_].
Of course. She’s tired. We are forgetting everything. You will have
some tea, won’t you, dear?
FANNY. No, thanks. We had tea in the train. [_With the more or less
helpful assistance of Vernon she divests herself of her outdoor
garments_.]
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [_she holds up her hands in astonishment_]. Tea
in the train!
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. We were not expecting you so soon. You said
in your telegram—
VERNON. Oh, it was raining in London. We thought we would come straight
on—leave our shopping for another day.
FANNY. I believe you were glad it was raining. Saved you such a lot of
money. Old Stingy!
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Then did you walk from the station, dear?
FANNY. Didn’t it seem a long way? [_She laughs up into his face_.] He
was so bored. [_Vernon laughs_.]
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. I had better tell—[_She is going towards the
bell_.]
VERNON [_he stops her_]. Oh, let them alone. Plenty of time for all
that fuss. [_He puts them both gently side by side on the settee_.] Sit
down and talk. Haven’t I been clever? [_He puts his arm round Fanny_,
_laughing_.] You thought I had made an ass of myself, didn’t you? Did
you get all my letters?
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. I think so, dear.
FANNY [_she is sitting in an easy-chair_. _Vernon seats himself on the
arm_]. Do you know I’ve never had a love-letter from you?
VERNON. You gave me no time. She met me a month ago, and married me
last week.