DR. FREEMANTLE. And why twelve girls in a van?
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. In a van?
DR. FREEMANTLE. One of Hutton’s from the Station Hotel—with a big poster
pinned on the door: “Our Empire.”
_Fanny has risen_. _She crosses and rings the bell_.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. What’s the matter, dear?
FANNY. I’m not quite sure yet. [_Her whole manner is changed_. _A look
has come into her eyes that has not been there before_. _She speaks in
quiet_, _determined tones_. _She rings again_. _Then returning to
table_, _hands the cake-basket to the Doctor_.] Won’t you take one,
Doctor? They’re not as indigestible as they look. [_Laughs_.]
DR. FREEMANTLE [_he also is bewildered at the changed atmosphere_].
Thank you. I hope I—
FANNY [_she turns to Ernest_, _who has entered_. _Her tone_, _for the
first time_, _is that of a mistress speaking to her servants_]. Have any
visitors called for me this afternoon?
ERNEST. Vi-visitors—?
FANNY. Some ladies.
ERNEST [_he is in a slough of doubt and terror_]. L—ladies?
FANNY. Yes. Please try to understand the English language. Has a party
of ladies called here this afternoon?