FANNY [_she has crossed to table—is pouring out the Doctor’s tea_]. Oh,
mightn’t we have a holiday from Bennet?
DR. FREEMANTLE [_laughs_]. Seems to be having a holiday himself to-day.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. A holiday?
DR. FREEMANTLE. Didn’t you know? Oh, there’s an awfully swagger party
on downstairs. They were all trooping in as I came.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. I’d no idea he was giving a party. [_To
Fanny_] Did you, dear?
FANNY [_she hands the Doctor his tea_]. Yes. It’s a prayer meeting.
The whole family, I expect, has been summoned.
DR. FREEMANTLE. A prayer meeting! Didn’t look like it.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. But why should he be holding a prayer meeting?