SOCIETY CHATTER (_as before_). Oh, _much_ cooler here.... Yes,
delightful, wasn't it? Everybody one knows.... No, you don't
_really_?... Oh, Popsy's flourishing, thanks.... The new Butler turned
out a perfect demon ... but I said I wouldn't have his tail docked for
anything ... so they've painted it _eau de Nil_, and it looks _so_ nice!
MISS F. B. (_pointedly_).
When the cackle of females strikes my ear, I jest vamose, for they
make me skeered,
And I sorter suspicion I skeer them too, with my hulking form, and
my bushy beard!
[_Here, of course, she strokes a very round chin._
SOCIETY CHATTER. Seems to be somethin' goin' on in there--singin',
actin', dancin', or somethin'.... Well, of course, only heard _her_
version of it as yet, y' know.... Have you seen him in ... white
bengaline with a Medici collar, and one of those ... nasty gouty attacks
he _will_ have are only rheumatism, &c., &c.
MISS F. B. (_when next heard_).
I cleared my throat and I tried to speak--but the words died
strangled--
A FEMININE VOICE OUTSIDE. So _long_ since we had a quiet talk together!
Do tell me all about, &c., &c.