DICK--[With gay mockery.] Well, the gang's all here. Looks like
the League of Nations. [Then with impatience.] Let's get down to
cases, folks. I want to know why I've been summoned here. I'm due
for tournament mixed-doubles at the Casino at five. Where's the
tea--and has Curt a stick in the cellar to put in it?

LILY--[Appearing in the doorway.] Here's tea--but no stick for
you, sot. [The MAID brings in tray with tea things.]

JOHN--[Heavily.] It seems it would be more to the point to inquire
where our hostess--

JAYSON--[Rousing himself again.] Yes. And where is Curt?

LILY--Working at his book. He called Martha to take notes on
something.

ESTHER--[With a trace of resentment.] She left us as if she were
glad of the excuse.

LILY--Stuff, Esther! She knows how much Curt depends on her--and
we don't.

EMILY--[In her quiet, lisping voice--with the most innocent air.]
Martha seems to be a model wife. [But there is some quality to the
way she says it that makes them all stare at her uneasily.]

LILY--[Insultingly.] How well you say what you don't mean, Emily!
Twinkle, twinkle, little bat! But I'm forgetting to do the honors.
Tea, everybody? [Without waiting for any answer.] Tea, everybody!