_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 dooked
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
bensaline 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.
_Miss F.B._ --strangled by sheer alarm.