as she
appears and speaks fluently to the end._

CYNTHIA. No! I never was so surprised in my life, as when I strolled
into the paddock and they gave me a rousing reception--old Jimmy
Withers, Debt Gollup, Jack Deal, Monty Spiffles, the Governor and
Buckeye. All of my old admirers! They simply fell on my neck, and,
dear Matthew, what do you think I did? I turned on the water main!
[_There are movements and murmurs of disapprobation from the family._
MATTHEW _indicates a desire to go._] Oh, but you can't go!

MATTHEW. I'll return in no time!

CYNTHIA. I'm all ready to be married. Are they ready? [MATTHEW _waves
a pious, polite gesture of recognition to the family._] I beg
everybody's pardon! [_Taking off her wrap and putting it on the back
of a chair._] My goggles are so dusty, I can't see who's who! [_To_
SIR WILFRID.] Thanks! You _have_ carried it well! [_She takes the
parasol from_ SIR WILFRID.

SIR WILFRID. [_Aside to_ CYNTHIA.] When may I--?

CYNTHIA. See you next Goodwood!

SIR WILFRID. [_Imperturbably._] Oh, I'm coming back!

CYNTHIA. [_Advancing a bit toward the family._] Not a bit of use in
coming back! I shall be married before you get here! Ta! Ta! Goodwood!

SIR WILFRID. [_Not in the least affected._] I'm coming back. [_He goes
out quickly. There are more murmurs of disapprobation from the family.
There is a slight pause._

CYNTHIA. [_Beginning to take off her goggles, and moving nearer "the
family."_] I do awfully apologize for being so late!

MISS HENEAGE. [_Importantly._] Mrs. Karslake--

SUDLEY. [_Importantly._] Ahem! [CYNTHIA _lays down goggles, and sees
their severity._

CYNTHIA. Dear me! [_Surveying the flowers and for a moment
speechless._] Oh, good heavens! Why, it looks like a smart funeral!

MISS HENEAGE _moves; then speaks in a perfectly ordinary
natural tone, but her expression is severe._ CYNTHIA
_immediately realizes the state of affairs in its fullness._

MISS HENEAGE. [_To_ CYNTHIA.] After what has occurred, Mrs. Karslake--

CYNTHIA. [_Glances quietly toward the table, and then sits down at it,
composed and good-tempered._] I see you got my wire--so you know where
I have been.

MISS HENEAGE. To the race-course!

SUDLEY. With a rowdy Englishman. [CYNTHIA _glances at_ SUDLEY,
_uncertain whether he means to be disagreeable, or whether he is only
naturally so._

MISS HENEAGE. We concluded you desired to break the engagement!

CYNTHIA. [_Indifferently._] No!