Hyacinth—And how long has he been here?
Beatrice—Four days.
Hyacinth—How much longer is he staying?
Beatrice—According to program, he goes to-*morrow. That's why I wanted you here sooner. He arrived unexpectedly, and here we were without a man.
Hyacinth—I started immediately I got your telegram. Albert has changed, hasn't he? He has become quite an attractive young man. [He sits.]
Beatrice—He is very agreeable.
Hyacinth—He appeared genuinely glad to see me. He almost wept when we met.
Beatrice—He was very fond of my lamented husband too. And he was only a child then.
Hyacinth—He embraced me cordially and kissed me at least four times. And he fairly beamed when he told me how much he loved you all.
Beatrice—That's just it.
Hyacinth—What's "just it"?
Beatrice—[To Alexandra.] Will you go out into the garden a while, my dear?
Alexandra—Yes, mother. [She exits into the garden.]
Beatrice—[Dries her eyes.]
Hyacinth—What's wrong, my dear? Has anything happened?
