Isabel (to the footman who enters). Mrs. Raynor wishes the dog-cart sent to the station at five o'clock to meet Mr. Oberville.
Footman. Very good, m'm. Shall I serve tea at the usual time, m'm?
Isabel. Yes. That is, when Mr. Oberville arrives.
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. I beg pardon, m'm, but one is a note from Mme. Fanfreluche, and the man who brought it is waiting for an answer.
Isabel. Didn't you tell him I was out?
Footman. Yes, m'm. But he said he had orders to wait till you came in.
Isabel. Ah--let me see. (She opens the note.) Ah, yes. (. pause.) Please say that I am on my way now to Mme Fanfreluche's to give her the answer in person. You may tell the man that I have already started. Do you understand? Already started.
Footman. Yes, m'm.
Isabel. And--wait. (With an effort.) You may tell me when the man has started. I shall wait here till then. Be sure you let me know.
Footman. Yes, m'm. (He goes out.)
Isabel (sinking into a chair and hiding her face). Ah! (After a moment she rises, taking up her gloves and sunshade, and walks toward the window which opens on the lawn.) I'm so tired. (She hesitates and turns back into the room.) Where can I go to? (She sits down again by the tea- table, and bends over the kettle. The clock strikes half-past five.)