]
Really, I think I shall have to bring an action for damages against
Lady Bantock. Ever since she -
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Hush! [She points to the window.] Fanny.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Here's Doctor Freemantle.
Fanny comes from the window.
DR. FREEMANTLE [he meets her and takes her hand]. Was just saying, I
really think I shall have to claim damages against you, Lady Bantock.
You've practically deprived me of two of my best paying patients.
Used to be sending for me every other day before you came. Now look
at them! [The two ladies laugh.] She's not as bad as we expected.
[He pats her hand.] Do you remember my description of what I thought
she was going to be like?
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. She's a dear girl.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Bennet -
FANNY [she has crossed to table--is pouring out the Doctor's tea].
Oh, mightn't we have a holiday from Bennet?
DR. FREEMANTLE [laughs]. Seems to be having a holiday himself to-
day.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. A holiday?
DR. FREEMANTLE. Didn't you know? Oh, there's an awfully swagger
party on downstairs. They were all trooping in as I came.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. I'd no idea he was giving a party. [To
Fanny] Did you, dear?
FANNY [she hands the Doctor his tea]. Yes. It's a prayer meeting.
The whole family, I expect, has been summoned.
DR. FREEMANTLE. A prayer meeting! Didn't look like it.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. But why should he be holding a prayer
meeting?
FANNY.
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