MISS GILPIN (_taking her hand--with kind affability_). We've been
expecting you all day. How do you do? I'm Miss Gilpin. You came on the
last train, didn't you?
EILEEN (_heartened by the other woman's kindness_). Yes. This is my
father, Miss Gilpin--and Mr. Nicholls.
(Miss Gilpin _shakes hands cordially with the two men who are
staring about the room in embarrassment._ Carmody _has very
evidently been drinking. His voice is thick and his face
puffed and stupid._ Nicholls' _manner is that of one who is
accomplishing a necessary but disagreeable duty with the best
grace possible, but is frightfully eager to get it over and done
with._ Carmody's _condition embarrasses him acutely and when he
glances at him it is with hatred and angry disgust._)
MISS GILPIN (_indicating the chairs in front of the windows on the
left, forward_). Won't you gentlemen sit down? (Carmody _grunts
sullenly and plumps himself into the one nearest the door._ Nicholls
_hesitates, glancing down at the suit-case he carries._ Miss Gilpin
_turns to_ Eileen.) And now we'll get you settled immediately. Your
room is all ready for you. If you'll follow me---- (_She turns toward
the door in rear, centre._)
EILEEN. Let me take the suit-case now, Fred.
MISS GILPIN (_as he is about to hand it to her--decisively_). No, my
dear, you mustn't. Put the case right down there, Mr. Nicholls. I'll
have it taken to Miss Carmody's room in a moment. (_She shakes her
finger at_ Eileen _with kindly admonition._) That's the first rule
you'll have to learn. Never exert yourself or tax your strength. It's
very important. You'll find laziness is a virtue instead of a vice with
us.