The Eldest Son

[...] JOAN. Am I all right behind, Freda? That beast, Dot! FREDA. Quite, Miss Joan. DOT's face, like a full moon, appears over the upper banisters. She too comes running down, a frank figure, with the face of a rebel. DOT. You little being! JOAN. [Flying towards the drawing-roam, is overtaken at the door] Oh! Dot! You're pinching! As they disappear into the drawing-room, MABEL LANFARNE, a tall girl with a rather charming Irish face, comes slowly down. And at sight of her FREDA's whole figure becomes set and meaningfull. FREDA. For you, Miss Lanfarne, from my lady. MABEL. [In whose speech is a touch of wilful Irishry] How sweet! [Fastening the roses] And how are you, Freda? FREDA. Very well, thank you. MABEL. And your father? Hope he's going to let me [...].