(_A Modern Dialogue._)
[Illustration: Private View.]
SCENE--Lady HAY'S _Boudoir. Lady_ HAY _and_ Miss BEE _discovered
sipping five o'clock tea._
_Miss Bee_ (_sympathetically_). I am so sorry, dearest, that you have
sprained your ankle. And is it _quite_ out of the question to come on
Friday to Burlington House?
_Lady Hay._ Quite, dearest. Dr. KEELEY DODGE says I shall be laid up
the whole Season if I move a step before Monday. So you will tell me
all about the Royal Academy Private View, now won't you?
_Miss Bee._ Of course I will do my best; but you know my forte is not
description. What do you want to know?
_Lady Hay._ Why, of course, who were there, and what they said, and
(most important of all) what they wore. I hope, dear, you will notice
if they are wearing any of the new-fashioned bonnets, and if hats are
going out.
_Miss Bee._ You may rely upon me, darling.
_Lady Hay._ And mind you get at the last bit of scandal. There ought
to be plenty about, now that people have come back from the Riviera.
But, my dear, you know exactly what I should like, so it is useless to
prompt you. I leave everything to your discretion.
_Miss Bee._ Quite so, darling. (_After a pause._) I thought I had
forgotten something--how about the paintings?
_Lady Hay._ Oh, never mind them! They will keep until another
occasion! [_And as they will, Scene closes in on the Pictures._
* * * * *
[Illustration: GROVES OF BLARNEY.
"AND IT'S A PERFECT MIRACLE THE SOUNDS YE MANAGE TO EXTRACT FROM THAT
OLD TIN KETTLE MISS CECILIA; SURE WE DON'T HEAR THE DUMB NOTES AT
ALL!"]
* * * * *