MRS WHITEFIELD.
You shouldn't say things like that, Jack.
I hope you won't tell Ann that I have been speaking to you.
I only wanted to set myself right with you and Tavy.
I couldn't sit mumchance and have everything put on me.
TANNER. [politely] Quite so.
MRS WHITEFIELD. [dissatisfied] And now I've only made matters worse.
Tavy's angry with me because I don't worship Ann.
And when it's been put into my head that Ann ought to marry you, what can I say except that it would serve her right?
TANNER.
Thank you.
MRS WHITEFIELD.
Now don't be silly and twist what I say into something I don't mean.
I ought to have fair play—
Ann comes from the villa, followed presently by Violet, who is dressed for driving.
ANN. [coming to her mother's right hand with threatening suavity] Well, mamma darling, you seem to be having a delightful chat with Jack.
We can hear you all over the place.
MRS WHITEFIELD. [appalled] Have you overheard—
TANNER.
Never fear: Ann is only—well, we were discussing that habit of hers just now.
She hasn't heard a word.
MRS WHITEFIELD. [stoutly] I don't care whether she has or not: I have a right to say what I please.
VIOLET. [arriving on the lawn and coming between Mrs Whitefield and Tanner] I've come to say goodbye.
I'm off for my honeymoon.
MRS WHITEFIELD. [crying] Oh don't say that, Violet.
And no wedding, no breakfast, no clothes, nor anything.
VIOLET. [petting her] It won't be for long.
MRS WHITEFIELD.
Don't let him take you to America.
Promise me that you won't.
VIOLET. [very decidedly] I should think not, indeed.
Don't cry, dear: I'm only going to the hotel.
MRS WHITEFIELD.
But going in that dress, with your luggage, makes one realize—[she chokes, and then breaks out again] How I wish you were my daughter, Violet!
VIOLET. [soothing her] There, there: so I am.
Ann will be jealous.
MRS WHITEFIELD.
Ann doesn't care a bit for me.
ANN.
Fie, mother!
Come, now: you mustn't cry any more: you know Violet doesn't like it [Mrs Whitefield dries her eyes, and subsides].
VIOLET.
Goodbye, Jack.
TANNER.
Goodbye, Violet.
VIOLET.
The sooner you get married too, the better.
You will be much less misunderstood.
TANNER. [restively] I quite expect to get married in the course of the afternoon.
You all seem to have set your minds on it.