TOMMY following her.]
(Left alone, GERALD closes his book with a slam. He stands up and
takes the telegram out of his pocket and reads it again. He suddenly
catches sight of MISS FARRINGDON in the gallery shove, calls out
"Hullo!" and goes up the stairs to meet her.)
GERALD (as he goes). You're just the person I wanted, Aunt Tabitha.
I'm full of news. (He kisses her at the top of the stairs.) How are
you, dear? (He offers her his arm.)
MISS FARRINGDON. If I had wanted help, down the stairs, Gerald, my
maid could have given it me.
GERALD. Yes, but your maid wouldn't have enjoyed giving it you; I
do.
MISS FARRINGDON. Charming Gerald. (She comes down the stairs on his
arm.)
GERALD. No, happy Gerald.
MISS FARRINGDON. Is that part of the news?
GERALD. It's all because of the news.
(He arranges her in her chair by the fire and sits on the
coffin-stool near her.)
MISS FARRINGDON. I heard Mr. Todd and Letty just now, so I suppose I
shan't be the first to hear it. What a pity!
GERALD. Ah, but they don't count.
MISS FARRINGDON. Why not?
GERALD. Well, that's part of the news. They've just got engaged.
MISS FARRINGDON. In my young days they'd have been engaged a long
time ago. When are we going to see Pamela again?
GERALD. That's more of the news. She's coming down to-morrow.
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