_Footman (going out)_. Very good, m'm.
_Warland (to Isabel, who is moving toward the door)_. Where are you going?
_Isabel_. To my room now--for a walk later.
_Warland_. Later? It's past three already.
_Isabel_. I've no engagement this afternoon.
_Warland_. Oh, I didn't know. (_As she reaches the door_.) You'll be back,
I suppose?
_Isabel_. I have no intention of eloping.
_Warland_. For tea, I mean?
_Isabel_. I never take tea. (_Warland shrugs his shoulders_.)
II
_The same drawing-room. _Isabel_ enters from the lawn in hat and gloves.
The tea-table is set out, and the footman just lighting the lamp under the
kettle_.
_Isabel_. You may take the tea-things away. I never take tea.
_Footman_. Very good, m'm. (_He hesitates_.) I understood, m'm, that Mr.
Oberville was to have tea?
_Isabel_. Mr. Oberville? But he was to arrive long ago! What time is it?
_Footman_. Only a quarter past five, m'm.
_Isabel_. A quarter past five? (_She goes up to the clock_.) Surely you're
mistaken? I thought it was long after six. (_To herself_.) I walked and
walked--I must have walked too fast ... (_To the Footman_.) I'm going out
again. When Mr. Oberville arrives please give him his tea without waiting
for me. I shall not be back till dinner-time.
_Footman_. Very good, m'm. Here are some letters, m'm.
_Isabel (glancing at them with a movement of disgust)_. You may send them
up to my room.
_Footman_.
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