t her] What do you mean--Court?

MARGARET. My dear, he'll have to bring an action for defamation of
character, or whatever they call it.

MABEL. Were they talking of this last night at the WINSOR's?

MARGARET. Well, you know a dinner-table, Mabel--Scandal is heaven-sent
at this time of year.

MABEL. It's terrible, such a thing--terrible!

MARGARET. [Gloomily] If only Ronny weren't known to be so broke.

MABEL. [With her hands to her forehead] I can't realise--I simply can't.
If there's a case would it be all right afterwards?

MARGARET. Do you remember St Offert--cards? No, you wouldn't--you were
in high frocks. Well, St Offert got damages, but he also got the hoof,
underneath. He lives in Ireland. There isn't the slightest connection,
so far as I can see, Mabel, between innocence and reputation. Look at
me!

MABEL. We'll fight it tooth and nail!

MARGARET. Mabel, you're pure wool, right through; everybody's sorry for
you.

MABEL. It's for him they ought--

MARGARET. [Again handing the cigarette case] Do smoke, old thing.

MABEL takes a cigarette this time, but does not light it.

It isn't altogether simple. General Canynge was there last night. You
don't mind my being beastly frank, do you?

MABEL. No. I want it.

MARGARET. Well, he's all for esprit de corps and that. But he was
awfully silent.

MABEL. I hate half-hearted friends. Loyalty comes before everything.

MARGARET. Ye-es; but loyalties cut up against each other sometimes, you
know.

MABEL. I must see Ronny. D'you mind if I go and try to get him on the
telephone?

MARGARET. Rather not.

MABEL goes out by the door Left.

Poor kid!

She curls herself into a corner of the sofa, as if trying to get
away from life. The bell rings. MARGARET stirs, gets up, and goes
out into the corridor, where she opens the door to LADY ADELA
WINSOR, whom she precedes into the sitting-room.

Enter the second murderer! D'you know that child knew nothing?

LADY A. Where is she?

MARGARET. Telephoning. Adela, if there's going to be an action, we
shall be witnesses. I shall wear black georgette with an ecru hat. Have
you ever given evidence?

LADY A. Never.

MARGARET. It must be too frightfully thrilling.

LADY A. Oh! Why did I ever ask that wretch De Levis? I used to think
him pathetic. Meg did you know----Ronald Dancy's coat was wet? The
General happened to feel it.

MARG